Overview: A new mid-sized lunar delivery capability on the horizon
Impulse Space has laid out an ambitious plan to extend its propulsion and spacecraft expertise into the lunar logistics market. The startup, founded by former SpaceX propulsion chief Tom Mueller, says it can haul up to 6 tons of payload to the Moon each year through a two-vehicle architecture involving a lunar lander and a high-energy kick stage named Helios. The goal is to fill a gap in today’s lunar cargo market for mid-sized surface deliveries that are too large for small landers yet not large enough for future human-rated landers.
How the architecture would work
The proposed system centers on pairing the new lunar lander with Helios so that cargo can be delivered to the Moon without refueling in orbit. The plan envisions both vehicles launching on a standard rocket, then deploying into low Earth orbit. Helios would then transport the lander from LEO to a low lunar orbit within about seven days. Upon arrival, the two vehicles would separate, allowing the lander to descend to the lunar surface and deliver its cargo.
The mission profile and payloads
Impulse describes a payload band of roughly 0.5 to 13 tons—a niche it says is currently underserved in the market. Possible cargo categories include rovers, habitat modules, power generators, communications systems, or even a lunar terrain vehicle. By targeting this weight class, the company hopes to provide a reliable surface delivery cadence for customers who need more than small experiments but less than a full-scale human habitat module.
Timeline and development milestones
Impulse reports that work on the lunar lander engine is underway and uses a fuel combination similar to the Saiph thrusters that power its Mira small spacecraft. Helios is already described as well into development, with the first flight targeted for late 2026 and a plan to fly multiple Helios missions per year by 2028. If realized, this could enable recurring lunar deliveries and a new tempo for surface missions beyond traditional robotic landers and the nascent human-landing architectures from SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Technical challenges and execution risks
There are notable engineering hurdles. A lunar lander engine must be throttleable, capable of restart, and deliver high specific impulse to operate effectively in the vacuum of space and within a tight control regime during landing. Impulse acknowledges execution risk and states it is prepared to adjust its approach in response to industry demand. In a market where NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and upcoming human-rated landers define late-stage options, Impulse is betting on a middle-ground capability that could unlock a steady stream of surface deliveries consistent with early-commercial lunar operations.
Strategic implications for lunar logistics
If Impulse Space can deliver on its stated plan, it would represent a meaningful shift in lunar cargo logistics. The ability to perform 0.5–13-ton surface deliveries on a recurring basis would complement larger human missions and help establish a regular cadence of robotic infrastructure deployments. This could support early lunar bases, habitat expansions, and surface infrastructure by providing a practical option for transporting critical components without waiting for larger, multi-year programs.
What’s next for Impulse Space
The company is pressing ahead with engine development for the lander and advancing Helios toward its maiden flights. The coming years will be crucial to validate propulsion performance, orbital transfer dynamics, and payload integration in a space environment. Industry observers will watch closely to see whether Impulse Space can translate its engine expertise into a reliable, repeatable lunar delivery service and how it competes with other players pursuing mid-sized and large-scale lunar missions.
