Impulse Space awarded $60 million STRATFI grant by USSF

Impulse Space, based in Redondo Beach, has been awarded a $60 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) grant by SpaceWERX, which is part of the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command. This funding will support the development of Helios, a high-performance kick stage designed to tackle challenges in geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO) for the Department of the Air Force. The award builds on the company's previous success in securing two SBIR Phase II contracts earlier in 2023. Helios is capable of transporting over five tons from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to GEO in under a day, enhancing responsive delivery capabilities to high-energy orbits, including Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and cislunar space. The kick stage is compatible with various medium-lift launch vehicles and can accommodate both primary and rideshare-class payloads, offering a unique combination of rapid and cost-effective access to destinations beyond LEO. The STRATFI award aims to advance Helios through critical milestones, including stage-level testing, qualification, final assembly, and the launch of its first demonstration flight to deploy a Department of Defense payload. This initiative is part of a broader effort by SpaceWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory to streamline the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer processes, thereby enhancing opportunities for small businesses. Tom Mueller, CEO of Impulse Space, emphasized the importance of responsive missions across all orbits for national defense. The development of Helios not only serves commercial interests but also strengthens the U.S. government's capabilities in space operations, contributing to a robust national defense posture.