In the fast-evolving realm of space exploration, a new contender is making waves: Impulse Space, a Los Angeles-based startup that is quickly positioning itself as a leader in orbital transportation solutions. Founded by Tom Mueller, a veteran rocket specialist and the first employee at SpaceX, Impulse has recently secured $150 million in funding led by the prominent venture capital firm Founders Fund. This significant capital influx not only bolsters the company’s ambitions but also signals growing confidence in the commercial space sector.
Impulse is developing a range of orbital transfer vehicles, often referred to as “space tugs.” These vehicles serve a critical function in the space economy, analogous to how taxis transport passengers from airports to their final destinations. While traditional rockets are responsible for delivering satellites and payloads into orbit, space tugs like Impulse’s Mira and Helios are designed to maneuver these payloads to specific orbits or locations, enhancing operational efficiency in space logistics.
Mueller, who has a rich history in rocket engineering—having spent nearly two decades perfecting engines at SpaceX—emphasizes that this funding will secure Impulse’s future as it advances its product line. “This means that we’re sufficiently funded through the development of Helios and the upgraded version of Mira and out past the first flights of both of these products,” he stated. This financial backing comes at a crucial time as Impulse aims to expand its operations and refine its technology.
The company made headlines with its inaugural mission, LEO Express-1, which successfully deployed a small satellite using its Mira vehicle. Following the launch in November, Impulse celebrated what Mueller describes as “probably the most successful orbital transfer vehicle debut in history” after a series of successful demonstrations concluded in July. This triumph not only validates the company’s technological prowess but also enhances its appeal to prospective investors and customers.
Currently, Impulse boasts a robust backlog of contracts with both commercial and government clients. These range from routine satellite deliveries to innovative projects such as developing propulsion systems for private space stations and demonstrating capabilities for the U.S. Space Force in geosynchronous orbit. This diverse portfolio illustrates the company’s adaptability and readiness to meet the varied demands of the burgeoning space industry.
The recent funding round attracted a wide array of venture investors, including Airbus Ventures and Lux Capital, bringing Impulse’s total capital raised to $225 million. This capital will facilitate the upcoming missions, such as LEO Express-2, slated for later this year, and the planned launch of an enhanced Mira vehicle in late 2025. The company also aims to conduct a demonstration mission with Helios by mid-2026 and introduce its “GEO Rideshare” missions by 2027.
Despite the advancements in launch technology—particularly with the emergence of reusable rockets—Mueller acknowledges a gap in in-space delivery systems. “There’s a lot of cost and efficiency to be gained… [with] a reliable solution for any customer who wants to move things around in space,” he noted. While SpaceX has made significant strides in reducing launch costs, the market still lacks robust options for efficient in-space transportation, which is where Impulse intends to fill the void.
As Impulse continues to grow, with plans to expand its workforce from 140 to over 200 employees next year, it operates from a state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot facility in Redondo Beach. This facility not only supports design and manufacturing but also engine test firing, enabling the company to scale production effectively. Mueller expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We feel good right now. Got that [fundraising] behind us, so it’s head down and make progress now.”
The entrepreneurial journey of Impulse Space, spearheaded by Tom Mueller, reflects the dynamic nature of the space industry, where innovation meets pressing demand. As the company readies for its next missions and further development of its cutting-edge technology, it stands poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of space logistics and exploration. With the right mix of funding, expertise, and ambition, Impulse is not just aiming for the stars; it’s strategically positioning itself to become a key player in the new era of space travel.
