Impulse Space

Impulse Space is developing in-space transportation services using orbital transfer vehicles to deliver satellites from rideshare drop-off orbits to their final destinations. Founded in 2021 by Tom Mueller, SpaceX employee number one and principal engineer of the Merlin and Draco engines, Impulse Space provides last-mile delivery in space.

The Mira orbital transfer vehicle completed its inaugural LEO Express-1 mission in 2024 after launching on SpaceX Transporter-9 in November 2023. Over seven months, Mira achieved the two largest orbital maneuvers ever made by a nitrous-based system, including a 150-kilometer orbit raise in 75 seconds, the largest single orbit raise ever by an OTV on its debut mission.

In August 2024, Impulse Space announced a GEO Rideshare Program and upgraded Mira design enabling operations in geostationary and other high-energy orbits. The Helios kick stage provides small satellite access to GEO, while the enhanced Mira delivers high delta-v capability for missions requiring rapid repositioning. The updated Mira design launches in late 2025.

Mira launched on LEO Express-2 aboard SpaceX Transporter-12, completing Final Mission Readiness Review in December 2024. The approximately 300-kg vehicle uses Saiph bipropellant thrusters with 290-second specific impulse, delivering 500-900 m/s delta-v depending on payload mass. Impulse Space partnered with Anduril Industries to integrate Mira for national security missions. The company continues expanding in-space transportation services for commercial and government customers.