Impulse Space, a developer of spacecraft and propulsion systems for in-space transportation, has raised $500 million in Series D funding to expand its workforce, manufacturing capacity, and orbital mobility infrastructure. The funding round was co-led by 137 Ventures and BANNER VC, with additional participation from Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Linse Capital. The investment brings the company’s total capital raised to more than $1 billion.

Based in Redondo Beach, California, Impulse Space designs, manufactures, tests, and operates spacecraft intended to move, position, host, deploy, and transport payloads after launch. Its development portfolio includes the Mira maneuvering spacecraft, Helios high-energy kick stage, Caravan rideshare program, and propulsion systems for orbital transfer and spacecraft maneuvering.

In-space mobility addresses the movement of spacecraft and payloads after they have separated from their launch vehicles. These capabilities can support orbit insertion, repositioning, constellation deployment, hosted payload operations, rendezvous and proximity operations, and transfers from low-Earth orbit to higher-energy destinations. As launch capacity has expanded, post-launch transportation has become an increasingly important part of mission architecture. Spacecraft delivered to an initial deployment orbit may still require additional propulsion, maneuvering, or transfer services to reach their intended operating destination.

“We’re building more than spacecraft: we’re building the economic and technical engine that will power humanity’s expansion into space,” said Tom Mueller, founder and CEO of Impulse Space. “From Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond, the ability to move quickly, precisely, and affordably on orbit is the fundamental capability that will unlock a true space age.”

Impulse Space technician working on Mira spacecraft in laboratory – Aerospace Technology Monthly

An Impulse Space technician works on the Mira spacecraft in a laboratory environment. Mira is designed for precision orbital maneuvering, payload hosting and deployment, and rendezvous and proximity operations.

Impulse Space has flown three missions. Its Mira spacecraft is designed for precision orbital maneuvering, payload hosting and deployment, and rendezvous and proximity operations, and has completed multiple missions. The company is also developing Helios, a high-energy kick stage scheduled for its first flight in 2027. Helios is intended to transport payloads to higher-energy destinations, including medium-Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, heliocentric trajectories, lunar space, and other planetary orbits. Caravan is being developed as a shared transportation service for payloads traveling to higher-energy destinations, including geostationary orbit.

The spacecraft are supported by a family of propulsion systems developed for different mission requirements. Saiph supports precision maneuvering and orbital repositioning. Deneb is intended for high-energy, long-distance transport, while Rigel is being developed for throttleable applications including landers and responsive maneuvers.

“Tom helped transform access to space at SpaceX, and now he’s tackling the industry’s next major challenge: in-space mobility,” said Justin Fishner-Wolfson, Managing Partner at 137 Ventures. “At 137, we invest in generational technology companies that redefine existing industries. We see that potential in Impulse. Mobility in space is strategic and will define the next phase of the space economy, and Impulse is building the infrastructure to make that possible.”

“As activity in orbit increases, in-space mobility becomes foundational,” said Adam Ramada, Managing Partner at BANNER VC. “Impulse is building the infrastructure that enables the next layer of growth for the space economy. They’ve brought some of the brightest minds in the world together and we’re proud to be part of the ride.”

The Series D funding will support workforce and manufacturing growth as Impulse Space expands production and development of its spacecraft and propulsion systems. The company has more than doubled its workforce over the past year and is recruiting across propulsion, avionics, autonomy, spacecraft systems, manufacturing, and mission operations. It maintains facilities in Redondo Beach, California; Boulder, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; and Mojave, California.

“This funding allows us to scale without compromising the quality and speed of execution that define Impulse,” said Eric Romo, President and COO of Impulse Space. “Demand for in-space mobility is exceptionally high, and we’re growing our team and production to address it head on.”

For spacecraft developers, satellite operators, civil agencies, and defense organizations, in-space mobility can affect final orbit selection, deployment timing, spacecraft responsiveness, mission duration, and access to destinations beyond low-Earth orbit.

About Impulse Space

Impulse Space designs, develops, manufactures, and operates spacecraft and propulsion systems for in-space transportation. Its portfolio includes the Mira maneuvering spacecraft, Helios high-energy kick stage, Caravan rideshare program, and Saiph, Deneb, and Rigel propulsion systems. Mira supports payload hosting, deployment, orbital maneuvering, and rendezvous and proximity operations. Helios is being developed to transport payloads to medium-Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, heliocentric trajectories, lunar space, and other planetary destinations. Founded by Tom Mueller, Impulse Space is based in Redondo Beach, California, with additional operations in Boulder, Washington, D.C., and Mojave. For more information, please click here. 

Source/Photo Credit: Impulse Space

(Editor’s Note: All trademarks mentioned in this article, including company names, product names, and logos, are the property of their respective owners. Use of these trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement.)

Molly Bakewell Chamberlin
Latest posts by Molly Bakewell Chamberlin (see all)
Tagged