Impulse Space raised a $500 million Series D led by 137 Ventures and BANNER VC to scale production of orbital transfer vehicles and other spacecraft.

The company’s lineup includes Mira, a maneuvering spacecraft, and Helios, a larger transfer vehicle slated to fly in 2027, designed to move satellites between orbits.

While software teams are integrating AI coding tools, executives say AI isn’t yet ready to replace hands-on hardware engineering, given the field’s reliance on physical design, testing, and analysis.

Impulse serves civil, commercial, and national security customers, with growing demand for in-space mobility and faster GEO transfers via Helios and Caravan rideshare missions starting in 2027.

Expansion plans include new centers in Boulder, Washington, D.C., and Mojave, with significant hiring to support growth.

Proceeds will expand design, testing, and manufacturing of space vehicles and scale the workforce amid strong aerospace talent demand.

The space economy is expanding, driven by satellite deployments, space-based communications, commercial launch services, and private sector innovation, creating opportunities for Impulse in in-space transportation.

AI is increasingly used in space operations for autonomous navigation, data analysis, predictive maintenance, mission planning, and space traffic management, linking AI investing with space tech.

Mueller envisions a new era of affordable space access and a robust in-space logistics ecosystem enabling broader commercial activity.

Company leadership notes rapid market development and potential new applications and revenue streams in the near term.

Impulse is pursuing NASA lunar opportunities with a lunar lander capable of delivering around three tons, aiming to participate in CLPS 2.0 and to land approximately one ton-class payload for Moon Base initiatives.

Founder and CEO Tom Mueller, SpaceX’s first employee and former head of propulsion, leads Impulse Space.