Impulse Space Raises $150M to Scale Orbital Transfer Vehicle Technology
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation startup founded by former SpaceX propulsion CTO Tom Mueller, has secured a $150 million Series B funding round. The investment signals strong confidence in the growing demand for satellite repositioning services in Earth’s orbit.
The Future of In-Space Mobility
Impulse Space is developing advanced Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs) designed to efficiently move satellites between orbits after launch. The company’s proprietary chemical propulsion systems enable unprecedented delta-v (change in velocity) capabilities, offering significant advantages over existing solutions.
Current OTV Offerings:
- Mira: A last-mile delivery system for satellites deployed on ride-share launches
- Helios: A high-energy kick stage capable of transferring payloads from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) in under 24 hours
“The satellite market demands enhanced maneuverability and rapid on-orbit responsiveness,” said Scott Nolan, partner at lead investor Founders Fund. “Impulse Space’s high delta-v vehicles are uniquely positioned to meet these needs.”
Industry Veteran Leadership
Founder Tom Mueller brings unparalleled expertise to Impulse Space, having:
- Served as a founding SpaceX employee
- Led development of the Merlin rocket engine for Falcon 9
- Designed Draco thrusters for the Dragon spacecraft
Since its 2021 founding, Impulse Space has achieved several key milestones:
- Successful LEO Express-1 mission (November 2023)
- Record-setting orbit raise (150 km in 75 seconds)
- Multiple U.S. Space Force contracts under the Tactically Responsive Space initiative
What’s Next for Impulse Space?
The company is currently preparing for its LEO Express-2 mission, scheduled for later this year, which will demonstrate Mira’s multi-payload deployment capabilities. Future developments include:
- Upgraded Mira version launching in 2025
- Helios maiden flight planned for 2026
Investor Confidence Grows
The Series B round was led by Founders Fund with participation from:
- Existing investors Lux Capital and Spring Tide
- New backers including DCVC, Airbus Ventures, and RTX Ventures
This latest funding follows a \(45 million Series A round closed in July 2023, bringing total investment to \)195 million. The company now employs over 140 staff at its 60,000-square-foot Redondo Beach, California facility.
As satellite constellations proliferate and orbital dynamics become increasingly complex, Impulse Space’s technology promises to deliver the agility and efficiency needed for next-generation space operations.
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