Impulse Space
In-space propulsion and payload mobility
Flight Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027
About the job
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience developing personal embedded microcontroller code for an extracurricular project, ideally in C, C++, Rust, or assembly.
- Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale, and resolve concerns.
- Write embedded code on custom avionics hardware to execute ground-test and flight functions.
- Work with avionics hardware engineers, propulsion engineers, GNC engineers, and other engineering teams.
- Contribute to spacecraft development, including bench testing new hardware, automating test and manufacturing equipment, and writing flight code.
- Implement and improve low-level processor functions, including peripheral controls and communication-interface setup.
- Implement and improve closed-loop control functions for physical processes.
- Write code to support development testing of avionics, fluids, and propulsion devices.
- Write rigorous, reviewed, and tested code to support manufacturing and flight.
About the company
Impulse Space develops in-space mobility systems and propulsion to move payloads quickly and affordably after launch. Its fleet includes Mira for precise maneuvering and rendezvous, Helios a high-energy kick stage planned for first flight in 2027, Caravan rideshare to reach higher-energy orbits, and propulsion lines Saiph, Deneb, and Rigel for different thrusts. These products act as in-space tugs and stages that enable docking, orbital transfers, and shared launches from liftoff to final destinations. Led by SpaceX veteran Tom Mueller, with multiple flight-proven missions and a growing backlog backed by large funding rounds, Impulse Space aims to expand access to higher-energy orbits and reduce costs for post-launch payload movement.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Series D
Total Funding
$1.4B
Headquarters
El Segundo, California
Founded
2021
Get referred to Impulse Space
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026 funding reached $808 million, extending runway and hiring for manufacturing.
- Reuters said Impulse sold out Caravan 2 and Caravan 3 Helios missions for 2028.
- Space Force selected Helios for NSSL Lane 1 and extended VICTUS SALO missions.
What critics are saying
- Impulse depends on SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshares; any manifest change delays revenue.
- Helios still lacks a first flight until 2027; a failure would freeze defense orders.
- D-Orbit, Firefly, and Northrop Grumman already compete in orbital transfer and servicing.
What makes Impulse Space unique
- Tom Mueller's SpaceX propulsion pedigree gives Impulse unmatched engine and mission credibility.
- Mira is flight-proven, and Helios targets GEO in under a day.
- Electra's six-month in-house build signals vertical integration across chemical and electric propulsion.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 0%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↑ 0%Impulse Space's Series D round grows to $808 million as backlog expands. 16 Sep 2026 11:07PM (Updated: 17 Sep 2026 12:48AM) Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. (Corrects valuation in bullet 1 and paragraph 2) By Akash Sriram Sept 16: Impulse Space has raised $308 million in an extension of the Series D funding round, the startup building spacecraft to move satellites and other payloads said on Wednesday, as it looks to serve a backlog from commercial and government customers. The extension valued the company at $5.4 billion, according to a source close to the company. SpaceX's $86 billion IPO in June has bolstered investor enthusiasm for the space sector, helping improve the fundraising environment for companies such as Impulse. The extension brings Impulse's Series D financing to $808 million, following a $500 million round announced in June that valued the company at $4.26 billion. The company also hired Vizio executive Adam Townsend as chief financial officer, as it scales production and works to turn a growing backlog of government and commercial contracts into revenue. Investor demand for the round remained strong after it closed, President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Romo exclusively told Reuters, allowing Impulse to raise more capital to expand ahead of customer demand. Impulse, founded by SpaceX's first employee and its former propulsion chief, Tom Mueller, will use the new capital chiefly to accelerate hiring and manufacturing. It now has more than 600 employees and over 180 open roles. "We looked at the plan and said, well, gosh, if we raise a little bit more, it'll give us confidence that even if a pessimistic scenario happens in the future, we can hire and be a little bit ahead of the plans from customers," Romo said. Impulse has sold out its Caravan 2 and Caravan 3 Helios rideshare missions planned for 2028 and has booked additional dedicated flights, Romo said. "The market, I think, has surprised us, if anything, to the upside as far as the reception of that product," he said. "We're really full on our manifest for Helios. So now we need to deliver on that for those customers."
Impulse Space's Series D round grows to $808 million as backlog expands. By Akash Sriram Sept 16 (Reuters) - Impulse Space has raised $308 million in an extension of the Series D funding round, the startup building spacecraft to move satellites and other payloads said on Wednesday, as it looks to serve a backlog from commercial and government customers. The extension valued the company at $5.6 billion, according to a source close to the company. SpaceX's $86 billion IPO in June has bolstered investor enthusiasm for the space sector, helping improve the fundraising environment for companies such as Impulse. The extension brings Impulse's Series D financing to $808 million, following a $500 million round announced in June that valued the company at $4.26 billion. The company also hired Vizio executive Adam Townsend as chief financial officer, as it scales production and works to turn a growing backlog of government and commercial contracts into revenue. Investor demand for the round remained strong after it closed, President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Romo exclusively told Reuters, allowing Impulse to raise more capital to expand ahead of customer demand. Impulse, founded by SpaceX's first employee and its former propulsion chief, Tom Mueller, will use the new capital chiefly to accelerate hiring and manufacturing. It now has more than 600 employees and over 180 open roles. "We looked at the plan and said, well, gosh, if we raise a little bit more, it'll give us confidence that even if a pessimistic scenario happens in the future, we can hire and be a little bit ahead of the plans from customers," Romo said. Impulse has sold out its Caravan 2 and Caravan 3 Helios rideshare missions planned for 2028 and has booked additional dedicated flights, Romo said. "The market, I think, has surprised us, if anything, to the upside as far as the reception of that product," he said. "We're really full on our manifest for Helios. So now we need to deliver on that for those customers." (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Impulse Space has raised $308 million in a Series D extension, bringing the total round to $808 million. The California-based in-space mobility company received backing from existing investors including 137 Ventures, Lux Capital, and Valor Equity Partners. The funding will support product development and team expansion as Impulse builds vehicles for post-launch mobility across commercial, civil, and government sectors. The company has more than doubled its headcount over the past year. Impulse recently secured significant government contracts, including selection for the US Space Force's NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 programme and a $28 million contract extension from Space Systems Command. The company manufactures spacecraft including Mira for precision manoeuvring and Helios, a high-energy kick stage. Impulse has appointed Adam Townsend, formerly CFO of VIZIO, as its first chief financial officer.
Impulse Space announces $308 million Series D extension to meet increasing demand for in-space mobility. Additional investment continues a period of significant growth across customer contracts, vehicle development, physical footprint, and talent for the company. September 16, 2026 11:00 ET | Source: Impulse Space REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Impulse Space, the in-space mobility leader, today announced a $308 million extension to its Series D round, bringing the combined round total to $808 million. The extension included participation from existing investors 137 Ventures, BANNER VC, DFJ Growth, Linse Capital, Lux Capital, and Valor Equity Partners, among others, reflecting continued confidence in the company and its long-term vision. The additional capital will support ongoing product development and team growth as Impulse expands its capabilities to serve commercial, civil, and government customers. Across the space economy, demand for post-launch mobility is accelerating, requiring vehicles that can make fast, precise, agile, and responsive movements throughout space. "This continued support from our investors strengthens our ability to build the systems that will unlock the space economy," said Eric Romo, President and COO of Impulse Space. "Over the past year, we've more than doubled our headcount and expanded our footprint across the country, building the team and capabilities needed to enable faster, more flexible movement in space for our customers." Recent government awards demonstrate the growing momentum for Impulse's capabilities. The company's Helios spacecraft was selected for the U.S. Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contract, becoming the first upper stage prime awarded a position in the program. Impulse also received a $28 million contract extension from Space Systems Command's Space Safari Office to support the VICTUS SALO 2 and VICTUS SALO 3 missions, building on existing awards for the Mira spacecraft. Impulse is building a full spectrum of in-space mobility to get operators where they want to go after launch, on demand. Products today include Mira, for flight-proven precision maneuvering; Helios, a high-energy kick stage; and Caravan, a rideshare program. Building on a vision of end-to-end mobility in space, Impulse recently unveiled the Electra system for electric propulsion, complementing the company's existing suite of chemical propulsion engines and further expanding vehicle capabilities. Together, these systems and spacecraft provide more flexibility for dynamic missions across orbits in a reliable and cost-effective way. "We're building a team of top talent across disciplines to deliver on very strong industry demand. This funding supports our ongoing growth across people, products, and facilities," said Tom Mueller, founder and CEO of Impulse Space. "It's an exciting time to be in the business of space, and we're proud to be defining the infrastructure that powers our future beyond Earth." The company also appointed its first Chief Financial Officer to shepherd its growing capital base and expanding business. Adam Townsend joined Impulse from VIZIO, where as CFO and Head of HR Operations he led the company through rapid growth and business transformation, including the company's IPO and eventual sale to Walmart. He previously held senior executive roles in finance at CBS Corp., Showtime Networks, and E*TRADE Financial. As Impulse continues to deliver innovative products to address clear market demand, the company is hiring engineers and operators to build, test, and fly the systems making a true space age possible. For more information, visit www.impulsespace.com/careers About Impulse Space Impulse Space, the in-space mobility leader, is accelerating our future beyond Earth beginning with its fleet of cost-effective, high-performance space vehicles: Helios and Mira. The Helios kick stage unlocks high-energy orbits with its powerful Deneb engine, rapidly transporting payloads from LEO to MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira enables precise maneuverability and rapid responsiveness for hosting, deployment, and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) across any orbit. Founded by Tom Mueller and led by a team of industry titans, Impulse Space is transforming in-space mobility by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go. And they're just getting started. For more information, visit www.impulsespace.com.
Impulse Space's Series D round grows to $808 million as backlog expands By Akash Sriram