What's Happening?
Impulse Space, an in-space propulsion startup, has unveiled plans to establish a lunar cargo delivery service, aiming to commence regular Moon missions by 2028. This initiative is designed to address the increasing market demand for lunar access. The company plans to extend its current mission profile, which involves transporting payloads to geostationary orbit (GEO) using its Helios propulsion system, set to launch its first mission next year. Impulse Space intends to deliver payloads from low Earth orbit (LEO) to the Moon using an Impulse-designed lander. The lander will employ thruster technology demonstrated on previous flights of Impulse's Mira vehicle, featuring throttleable, restartable engines powered by stable, storable fuel. The company expects to transport approximately six tons of hardware to the lunar surface across two missions in 2028.
Why It's Important?
The announcement by Impulse Space marks a significant step in the commercialization of lunar access, potentially lowering costs and increasing opportunities for both government and commercial entities to establish infrastructure on the Moon. By leveraging proven technology, Impulse Space aims to meet the growing demand for lunar cargo delivery, which is crucial for future human presence and activities on the Moon. The ability to transport multiple tons of cargo efficiently could facilitate the development of lunar bases and support scientific research and exploration. This move also positions Impulse Space as a key player in the space industry, potentially influencing the competitive landscape as other companies, like SpaceX, prepare their own lunar missions.
What's Next?
Impulse Space is focused on meeting its ambitious timeline by repurposing existing technology. The company has already raised $300 million in a Series C funding round and is investing in expanding its production capacity for Helios kick stages. Impulse Space plans to increase its workforce from 300 to over 400 employees to support its lunar objectives. If successful, the company could pave the way for robust infrastructure development on the lunar surface before SpaceX's Starship becomes operational. This could lead to increased collaboration and competition among space industry stakeholders, potentially accelerating advancements in lunar exploration and settlement.
