Impulse Space Secures Monumental $300M Series C to Build Orbital Highways

LONG BEACH, CA – June 4, 2025 – Impulse Space, the pioneering California-based startup founded by former SpaceX propulsion lead Tom Mueller, today announced it has closed a massive $300 million Series C funding round. This significant capital infusion, led by Linse Capital with participation from DFJ Growth and existing investors including Founders Fund and Lux Capital, elevates Impulse’s total funding to an impressive $525 million, marking one of the largest private investment rounds in the history of the space technology sector.

Space Tugs: The Unsung Heroes of the Satellite Economy

Impulse Space is at the forefront of developing Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs), colloquially known as “space tugs.” These innovative vehicles are designed to provide crucial “last-mile delivery” services for satellites, moving them from their initial drop-off points in orbit to their precise, final operational positions.

The company’s flagship Mira vehicle, propelled by advanced Saiph bipropellant thrusters, successfully completed its inaugural mission aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-9 in late 2023. This successful demonstration has paved the way for Impulse to secure over 30 contracts, totaling nearly $200 million, spanning a diverse client base across commercial, civil, and defense sectors.

Why This Matters: Building the Foundational Layer of Orbital Infrastructure

The robust investment in Impulse Space underscores a critical need within the burgeoning satellite economy. As rideshare launches become the prevalent method for deploying satellites into orbit, OTVs offer an indispensable solution for cost-effective and flexible precision placement.

Impulse’s services are vital for a wide array of applications, including:

• Earth Observation: Ensuring satellites reach optimal orbits for detailed imaging and data collection.
• Communications: Positioning communication satellites for reliable global connectivity.
• National Security: Providing agile in-space maneuverability for defense assets.
• Deep Space Missions: Enabling complex orbital adjustments for missions beyond Earth’s immediate vicinity.

Ultimately, Impulse Space aims to establish in-space mobility as a foundational layer of orbital infrastructure, akin to highways in terrestrial transportation, enabling a more efficient and accessible space ecosystem.

Led by a Visionary SpaceX Veteran

At the helm of Impulse Space is founder and CEO Tom Mueller, a name synonymous with propulsion innovation. As a founding engineer at SpaceX, Mueller was the architectural mastermind behind the Merlin and Draco engines, which power the Falcon rocket family and Dragon spacecraft. His leadership, combined with a team of seasoned aerospace professionals boasting deep expertise in propulsion and spacecraft design, positions Impulse for sustained success.

Fueling the Future of In-Space Logistics

The substantial new funding will be strategically deployed to accelerate key areas of Impulse Space’s operations. This includes significantly expanding hiring initiatives, scaling manufacturing capabilities to meet surging demand, and bolstering research and development efforts for next-generation orbital transfer solutions.

Impulse Space is strategically positioning itself as a pivotal player in the rapidly expanding market for in-space logistics and mobility. With this landmark capital infusion, the company is not just building space tugs; it’s constructing the essential highways of orbit, poised to become a cornerstone of the burgeoning orbital economy and empower the next generation of space missions.