Key facts
- Impulse Space raised $500 million in Series D funding.
- The company's valuation reached $4.26 billion.
- The funding round was co-led by 137 Ventures and Banner VC.
- Impulse Space develops orbital transfer vehicles and propulsion systems.
- SpaceX's IPO filing has increased investor interest in space startups.
Impulse Space, a startup focused on in-orbit spacecraft delivery and servicing, announced it has secured $500 million in Series D funding, bringing its valuation to $4.26 billion. The round, co-led by 137 Ventures and Banner VC, underscores a surge in investor confidence in the commercial space sector, particularly in companies building infrastructure beyond traditional rocket launches. Founded by SpaceX's first employee, Tom Mueller, Impulse Space develops orbital transfer vehicles like its Mira spacecraft and the upcoming Helios vehicle, aiming to significantly reduce the time it takes for satellites to reach their final orbits after launch. This increased investment activity is partly attributed to SpaceX's recent filing for a potentially record-breaking IPO, which has amplified interest in related space startups.