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Rocket engine startup Impulse raises $500 million to hire people, not AI

TechCrunch · Jun 2, 2026, 12:00 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Impulse Space, a startup founded by Space X engine guru Tom Mueller to build highly-maneuverable spacecraft, announced a $500 million Series D this week that it will use to hire as many as 200 new employees.
  • The round, led by 137 Ventures and BANNER VC, with participation from Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Linse Capital, reflects investor interest in space and defense tech as the U.S.
  • The company has developed a highly maneuverable platform called Mira that is targeted at U.S.

Impulse Space, a startup founded by Space X engine guru Tom Mueller to build highly-maneuverable spacecraft, announced a $500 million Series D this week that it will use to hire as many as 200 new employees.

The round, led by 137 Ventures and BANNER VC, with participation from Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Linse Capital, reflects investor interest in space and defense tech as the U.S. government hurls cash at national security problems and Space X gears up for its IPO.

Impulse is focused on in-space mobility. The company has developed a highly maneuverable platform called Mira that is targeted at U.S. Space Force buyers. It s also building Helios, a vehicle designed to carry satellites rapidly to high orbits after they are dropped off in space closer to Earth.

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