Impulse Space Contracts Three SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches for Helios Transfer Vehicle

Impulse Space has solidified its plans for ambitious orbital transport missions, announcing the purchase of three SpaceX Falcon 9 launches for its high-energy Helios transfer vehicle.

The launches, starting in mid-2026, mark a significant step forward for the company’s goal to rapidly and economically deliver payloads between orbits, with one mission contracted by the U.S. Space Force.

Helios Debut on the Victus Surgo Mission

The first launch, slated for mid-2026, will serve as the inaugural flight for the Helios transfer vehicle.

As part of the Victus Surgo mission, Helios will transport Impulse Space’s smaller Mira vehicle, equipped with a commercial optical payload, from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The mission, developed in partnership with the Space Force and the Defense Innovation Unit, is part of a $34.5 million contract awarded to Impulse Space for Victus Surgo and a second mission, Victus Salo, in early October.

“Securing these launches allows us to showcase the full potential of Helios. Delivering spacecraft to high energy orbits rapidly and economically changes the equation for commercial communication operators and national security missions like Victus Surgo.” - Eric Romo, President and Chief Operating Officer of Impulse Space

The payloads and schedules for the other two Helios missions have yet to be finalized.

Helios: A Technological Milestone

Helios, unveiled in January, is a high-energy kick stage designed to transport payloads across various orbits with speed and efficiency. It is powered by the Deneb engine, which produces 15,000 pounds-force of thrust using liquid oxygen and liquid methane.

On Nov. 14, Impulse Space introduced a developmental version of the Deneb engine, claiming it as one of the highest-performing engines in its category. The company plans to commence engine tests in the near future.

At least the first Helios mission will launch from Florida, where SpaceX’s Launch Complex 39A offers facilities to fuel payloads with liquid oxygen and methane directly on the pad. This capability was previously demonstrated during the IM-1 lunar lander mission for Intuitive Machines in February.

Series B Funding

Impulse Space’s ambitious plans are backed by a $150 million Series B funding round.

The funding supports the continued development of both the Helios and Mira vehicles, enabling the company to advance its cutting-edge propulsion systems and orbital transfer technologies.

With the secured launches and the innovative Helios vehicle, Impulse Space is positioning itself as a leader in rapid and cost-effective orbital transportation. By leveraging partnerships with SpaceX and securing critical national security missions like Victus Surgo, the company is demonstrating its potential to reshape the landscape for commercial communication operators and defense operations alike.