Same-Day Delivery Comes to Space as Impulse Promises Satellite Transport in Hours, Not Months
Impulse Space, a startup founded by Tom Mueller, a veteran of SpaceX's propulsion team, has announced a trio of deals that aim to revolutionize satellite transport to geostationary orbit (GEO). The company promises to compress the typical months-long transit time into just hours, mirroring Amazon's same-day delivery benchmark on Earth.
According to Impulse, its methane-oxygen kick stage, Helios, will be used in all three missions. A kick stage is essentially a small rocket engine that provides an extra boost of speed to satellites once they reach orbit. This technology will enable Impulse to transport satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO) to GEO in a matter of hours, rather than the usual months.
"We're not just talking about faster delivery; we're talking about unlocking geostationary orbit for commercial and defense users," said Mueller in an interview with TechCrunch. "Our goal is to make satellite transport as efficient and reliable as possible, so that our customers can focus on their core business."
The first mission will be a demonstration with Anduril, a defense contractor, planned for 2026. Impulse has also signed a transportation deal with Astranis, a GEO communications startup, set to launch in 2027. Additionally, the company has secured a multi-launch agreement to carry Infinite Orbits' servicing satellites to GEO starting in 2027.
Mueller founded Impulse in 2021 after nearly two decades leading propulsion at SpaceX, where he was instrumental in developing the Merlin and Raptor engines. His experience and expertise have enabled him to create a cutting-edge solution for satellite transport.
The implications of Impulse's technology are significant. With same-day delivery in space, satellite operators will be able to respond quickly to changing market conditions or unexpected events. This could lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved services for customers.
Industry experts agree that Impulse's innovation has the potential to transform the satellite industry. "Impulse is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with satellite transport," said Dr. Brian Weeden, a space policy expert at the Secure World Foundation. "Their technology could enable new business models and applications that we haven't even imagined yet."
As for next developments, Impulse plans to continue expanding its services and capabilities. The company is already working on several new projects, including a potential partnership with a major satellite operator.
In conclusion, Impulse Space's same-day delivery concept has the potential to revolutionize satellite transport and unlock geostationary orbit for commercial and defense users. With its innovative technology and experienced leadership, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the space industry.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*