Impulse Space details plan to deliver up to 6 tons a year to the Moon

Impulse Space has revealed an ambitious roadmap to transport up to six tons of cargo to the Moon, with operations potentially beginning as early as 2028. The startup aims to address a notable gap in the current market for mid-sized lunar deliveries, leveraging innovative technology to achieve its goals. At the heart of this initiative is a new lunar lander complemented by the 'Helios' high-energy kick stage. This combination is designed to facilitate the delivery of substantial payloads directly to the lunar surface without the need for refueling in orbit. Impulse Space envisions executing two missions that would deliver payloads ranging from 0.5 to 13 tons—ideal for transporting rovers, habitat modules, power generators, communication systems, and even lunar terrain vehicles. Founded by Tom Mueller, the former propulsion chief at SpaceX, Impulse Space believes that its capacity can fill a critical niche in lunar payload logistics. The company highlights that its offerings would be particularly valuable for cargo that is too large for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program landers, yet too small for the upcoming human-rated landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin. The operational architecture includes launching the lander and kick stage aboard a standard rocket, where they will be deployed into low Earth orbit. The Helios stage is expected to transport the lander to low lunar orbit within a week. Following separation, the lander will proceed to descend to the Moon’s surface. With a strong background in spacecraft engine development, Impulse is already working on the lunar lander engine, utilizing the same fuel mixture as the Saiph thrusters used in its small spacecraft, Mira. The Helios system is reportedly well into development, with its inaugural flight targeted for late 2026 and plans for multiple flights annually by 2028. However, the company acknowledges the inherent challenges in this venture. A lunar lander engine must be capable of throttle adjustments, restarts, and exhibit a high specific impulse to ensure precise control in the vacuum of space. In a recent press release, Impulse expressed its readiness to adapt its plans based on industry demands and interests. If successful, this initiative could revolutionize lunar delivery schedules.