Impulse Space raises $500M to expand workforce for in-space mobility spacecraft

Summary

Impulse Space, a startup founded by former SpaceX engine expert Tom Mueller, has raised $500 million in Series D funding led by 137 Ventures and BANNER VC. The company plans to use the funds to hire 150-200 new employees, emphasizing that engineering physical systems still requires human talent rather than AI. Impulse Space develops highly maneuverable spacecraft platforms (Mira) for in-space mobility, and the investment reflects growing interest in space and defense technology amid increased U.S. government spending on national security and SpaceX's upcoming IPO.