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Los Angeles-based space startup Impulse, led by rocket specialist Tom Mueller, has secured $150 million in funding in a round led by Founders Fund. Impulse is developing orbital transfer vehicles known as “space tugs,” with the smaller Mira and larger Helios currently in production. These vehicles deliver satellites and payloads to specific orbits, complementing the role of rockets in getting them to space.

Tom Mueller, a former SpaceX employee, founded Impulse three years ago and serves as CEO. The recent funding will support the development of the Helios and upgraded Mira vehicles, as well as their initial flights. Impulse’s successful LEO Express-1 mission, which deployed a small satellite, has garnered customer interest and contributed to the fundraising success.

The company has a solid contract backlog from commercial and government customers, including satellite deliveries and propulsion system development for a private space station. Venture investors participating in the funding round include Airbus Ventures, Lux Capital, and others, bringing Impulse’s total funding to $225 million.

Impulse’s upcoming missions include LEO Express-2 later this year, an updated Mira launch in 2025, a Helios demo mission by 2026, and GEO Rideshare missions by 2027. Mueller believes there is potential for cost savings and efficiency in the in-space delivery market, especially with the emergence of large reusable rockets from companies like Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, and Relativity.

While Impulse was initially inspired by SpaceX’s Starship concept, Mueller acknowledges that commercial Starship flights may be several years away. In the meantime, Impulse will utilize Falcon 9 and other medium launch vehicles for its missions. With expansion plans and a growing workforce, Impulse aims to scale up production of Mira and Helios spacecraft at its Redondo Beach facility.

Overall, Impulse is on a trajectory of growth and progress, with a focus on meeting the demand for in-space delivery solutions and expanding its capabilities in the space industry.

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