WASHINGTON -- Defense tech firm Anduril Industries has announced a strategic partnership with California-based startup Impulse Space to develop advanced in-space maneuvering capabilities. The collaboration aims to pursue military and defense contracts for space missions that require complex orbital maneuvers, as stated by Anduril on October 11.
The partnership will focus on demonstrating 'highly maneuverable space missions,' including military operations in nontraditional orbits that necessitate sophisticated navigation and agility.
Impulse Space, an emerging player in in-space transportation, is recognized for its development of orbital transfer vehicles designed to move satellites between various orbits. The startup's Mira orbital transfer vehicle will play a central role in this new partnership.
Anduril plans to integrate its Lattice AI-enabled software platform to operate Impulse's Mira vehicle, allowing a single operator to control and maneuver multiple spacecraft simultaneously. Moreover, Anduril will act as a mission systems integrator, equipping Impulse's spacecraft with its own payloads as well as those from other partners. The companies intend to demonstrate capabilities of interest to the U.S. Space Force and intelligence agencies, including rendezvous and proximity operations, space domain awareness, and satellite defense.
'In-space mobility is incredibly important for a range of national security space missions, including space domain awareness and dynamic space operations,' said Gokul Subramanian, Anduril's senior vice president of space and engineering.
Impulse Space has recently secured a contract with the U.S. Space Force for two space missions scheduled for 2026. The technologies developed through this partnership are expected to 'unlock freedom of movement for national security missions that demand rapid and agile responses in space,' according to Eric Romo, president and chief operating officer of Impulse Space.
Anduril, known for its cutting-edge autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence, has also formed a partnership with satellite manufacturing startup Apex as part of its broader strategy to integrate AI-driven technologies into spacecraft.