US Space Force Expands Military Launch Competition with Impulse Space and Relativity Space

On Friday, the US Space Force announced the inclusion of Impulse Space and Relativity Space in its military launch competition. This addition marks a significant expansion in the bidding pool for launch contracts, particularly as the military seeks to meet growing demands for high-energy launches, especially at geostationary orbits.

Understanding the National Security Space Launch Program

The National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program allows companies to bid on task orders for launches scheduled between 2025 and 2029. This program consists of two lanes: Lane 1 is designed for newer launch companies, while Lane 2 accommodates established players like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.

According to Eric Romo, president and chief operating officer of Impulse Space, the company has been engaging with military officials about the possibility of joining Lane 1 for some time. The military is particularly interested in increasing its capacity to reach high-energy orbits due to a lack of available supply.

Impulse Space's Innovative Helios Kick Stage

Impulse Space is working on a unique technology called Helios, a kick stage capable of delivering up to 9 km/s of delta-V to payloads. This innovation allows smaller rockets, like SpaceX’s Falcon 9, to achieve the performance typically reserved for larger, more powerful rockets. The Helios system is designed to facilitate rapid transitions from low-Earth orbits to geostationary orbits, which are approximately 36,000 km above the Earth.

To participate in Lane 1, Impulse Space must first successfully demonstrate Helios in flight. Following a review by the US Space Force, they can then pursue task orders for future launches, which could occur 18 to 24 months later.

Recent Developments and Future Goals

Impulse Space has made significant progress in the development of Helios, recently shipping a run tank to the Mojave Air & Space Port for extensive testing. This run tank will undergo multiple propellant loads to ensure its reliability and performance during actual flight conditions. The flight version of Helios will be lighter and optimized for its intended use.

Furthermore, the engine that powers Helios, named Deneb, is progressing well in testing, boasting a thrust of 15,000 pounds and utilizing liquid oxygen and methane as propellants. Impulse Space is targeting a debut flight of Helios in 2027 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

• 30 launches worth about $5.6 billion allocated for Lane 1 bidders.
• Helios kick stage enhances performance of medium-lift rockets.
• Testing underway at Mojave Air & Space Port.
• Deneb engine achieves 15,000 pounds of thrust.