Impulse Space, a startup specializing in in-space transportation services, has secured a $34.5 million contract to support two U.S. military space missions set for 2026, as announced by the Defense Department on October 3.
The deal, awarded under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 3 agreement, is funded by the U.S. Space Force and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Under this contract, Impulse Space will provide two orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) designed to carry space surveillance payloads, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in space domain awareness.
One mission will launch to low Earth orbit (LEO), while the other will target geostationary orbit (GEO). These missions are part of the U.S. Space Force's Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program, which aims to leverage commercial technologies for the rapid deployment of satellites and other assets in response to national security needs.
Impulse Space recently raised $150 million in Series B funding, with notable investors including RTX Ventures, the venture capital arm of Raytheon Technologies. Founded in 2021 by former SpaceX rocket propulsion engineer Tom Mueller, the company focuses on developing OTVs for moving satellites and payloads to specific orbits post-launch.
The company has developed Mira, a small OTV for last-mile satellite deliveries from LEO, and is working on Helios, a larger, high-energy kick stage capable of moving payloads from LEO to GEO in under 24 hours.
For the TacRS program, Impulse Space will support two missions: Victus Surgo and Victus Salo. The Mira vehicle for Victus Surgo will carry a commercial optical payload operating in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) after being launched from LEO by the Helios kick stage. The DIU will have a rideshare slot on the Helios.
In the second mission, Victus Salo, a Mira vehicle will transport a government-provided payload designed by MIT's Lincoln Laboratory for operation in low Earth orbit.
Victus Surgo's Mira vehicle is set to fly on Impulse's inaugural launch of the Helios vehicle, with the Series B funding supporting the first demo launch. Victus Halo will launch on a future SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission.
Once deployed, the Mira vehicles will be capable of maneuvering in space, allowing for rapid relocation and adjustments based on mission needs. Col. Bryon McClain, program executive officer for space domain awareness at the Space Systems Command, emphasized that these missions will enhance space surveillance and defense capabilities.
Lt. Col. Kahoa Miller, overseeing the TacRS program, noted the importance of the commercial space industry in providing the necessary products for future operations.
This contract follows a recent $60 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) agreement awarded to Impulse Space to advance Helios' development, combining approximately $30 million in government funding with private investment.