Impulse Space, a leader in developing in-space transportation services, announced today that it has been awarded a $34.5 million Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Safari Office, in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This contract will support the VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO TacRS missions.
These missions are the latest in a series of Tactical Responsive Space (TacRS) demonstrations aimed at exploring how prepositioned capabilities can enhance responsiveness to on-orbit situations, thereby enabling dynamic operations in space domain awareness (SDA). For VICTUS SURGO, Impulse Space will provide a Mira vehicle capable of operating in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), transporting the Mira from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using a Helios kick stage. Additionally, Impulse will demonstrate innovative responsive space delivery by delivering a Helios rideshare payload to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) for the DIU. Both Helios and its payloads will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. In the case of VICTUS SALO, Impulse will again provide a Mira vehicle designed for operations in LEO, launched on an upcoming SpaceX Rideshare mission.
The two Mira vehicles set for demonstration will feature an updated design to facilitate operations beyond LEO. With impressive high delta-v capabilities—such as 500 m/s for a 300 kg payload or 1,200 m/s for a 10 kg payload—and six degrees of freedom (6DOF) control, Mira offers unparalleled maneuverability for in-space operations that support SDA. Its powerful chemical propulsion system uses non-toxic, storable propellants, simplifying operational logistics. The Mira system also incorporates a range of flight-proven components, including star trackers, core avionics, flight software (FSW), and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities, all developed in-house.
The VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO demonstrations will not only address future TacRS needs but will also foster the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for dynamic space operations, enabling effective responses through maneuverable space vehicles.
“We’re honored to join the esteemed legacy of Tactically Responsive Space demonstrations with the VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO missions,” said Tom Mueller, CEO and founder of Impulse Space. “Our selection for these missions underscores our commitment to delivering highly maneuverable and responsive space capabilities.”
This contract enhances Impulse’s momentum in the government sector, with $15 million allocated as matching funds supporting the recent Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award, totaling $60 million across all sources, which Impulse received from SpaceWERX, sponsored by Space Safari. This follows Impulse’s earlier selection this year for two SBIR Phase II contracts through the 2023 SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge. The DIU funding aims to advance dual-use technologies for both commercial and military applications, as outlined in DIU’s Novel Responsive Space Delivery area of interest.
The VICTUS missions are currently scheduled to launch in 2026.
