Former SpaceX Engineer's Impulse Space raises $300 million to expand space tug fleet
-Impulse Space, a space technology startup developing orbital transfer vehicles commonly known as "space tugs," has raised $300 million in a late-stage funding round led by Linse Capital, bringing the company's total funding to $525 million.
Led by Tom Mueller, a founding employee at Elon Musk's SpaceX, Impulse Space is creating spacecraft designed to transport satellites between different orbital positions to meet growing demand for orbital logistics services.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
As SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn approach operational status, industry experts anticipate a surge in rideshare missions.
These launches place multiple satellites on single rockets, often requiring space tugs to deliver them to precise orbits.
CONTEXT
The funding positions Impulse Space to address increasing demand for in-space mobility across commercial, civil, and defense sectors seeking faster, cost-effective orbital transport solutions.
In-space mobility has become essential for satellite deployment, Earth observation support, and deep space exploration.
Space tugs offer satellite operators a cost-effective way to reach specific orbits without requiring customized launches.
BY THE NUMBERS
Impulse has signed more than 30 commercial and government contracts valued at nearly $200 million and is seeing more interest from across sectors.
The company has completed two missions completed using Mira, Impulse's high-thrust space vehicle.
The startup did not disclose the valuation of its funding round and did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for the information.
WHAT'S NEXT
Impulse plans to expand its workforce, accelerate research and development for long-duration missions, and scale production of its Mira and Helios space vehicles to meet increasing customer demand.
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