Impulse Space Secures $34.5 Million Space Force Contract for Ultra-Mobile Spacecraft Missions
Fresh off a major funding round, Impulse Space has clinched a $34.5 million contract from the Space Force for two groundbreaking spacecraft missions. These missions, part of the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program, aim to showcase the agility of spacecraft in swift responses to space threats.
The first mission, Victus Surgo, will deploy Impulse’s Mira spacecraft to a high orbit using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Impulse Space Helios kick stage. The second mission, Victus Salo, will see another Mira spacecraft launched to low Earth orbit on a SpaceX Transporter ride-share mission. Both spacecraft will feature a modular payload interface for efficient payload integration.
The Space Force highlights that these spacecraft will enable rapid space domain awareness, encompassing surveillance and reconnaissance activities. While the exact mission dates are unspecified, Impulse has indicated that Helios is set for its maiden flight in 2026.
Under the TacRS program, Impulse Space stands out as a prime player, given its expertise in developing orbital transfer vehicles for satellite maneuverability post-launch. Founded by SpaceX’s former CTO of propulsion, Tom Mueller, Impulse Space utilizes chemical propulsion systems for high delta-v capabilities.
Funded by the Space Force’s Space Systems Command in collaboration with the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, the Vicus Surgo and Victus Salo missions exemplify the ongoing efforts to bolster rapid spacecraft operations within the private sector.
In summary, Impulse Space’s recent contract win signifies a significant advancement in the realm of ultra-mobile spacecraft missions, showcasing the potential for enhanced space domain awareness and rapid response capabilities. This development underscores the growing importance of private industry collaboration in advancing space technologies for national security purposes.