Impulse Space Raises $150 Million for Orbital Transfer Vehicles
Los Angeles-based startup Impulse Space, led by ex-SpaceX rocket specialist Tom Mueller, has secured $150 million in a funding round led by Founders Fund.
This funding will fuel the development of Mira and Helios orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), designed to deliver satellites to precise destinations in space.
What Are Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs)?
OTVs, or "space tugs," play a critical role in moving payloads from orbit to their final destination.
Impulse’s smaller Mira and larger Helios vehicles will serve both commercial and governmental clients in satellite transportation and space exploration.
A Historic Debut: Impulse’s Mira Mission Success
Impulse’s first mission, LEO Express-1, successfully deployed a satellite using the Mira vehicle.
Described as “the most successful orbital transfer vehicle debut in history,” this mission has solidified Impulse’s reputation for reliability and innovation in space transport.
Future Missions: Expanding Space Capabilities
Impulse has ambitious plans, including launching LEO Express-2 this year, an upgraded Mira in 2025, and the debut of Helios by 2026. These missions aim to further demonstrate the capabilities of Impulse’s OTVs in a range of orbits.
Scaling Operations and Expanding Staff
Headquartered in Redondo Beach, Impulse plans to increase its workforce from 140 to 200 employees by next year. Their 60,000-square-foot facility will support the production of up to 10 Mira spacecraft annually, allowing the company to scale operations efficiently.