Defense technology firm Anduril Industries is partnering with propulsion startup Impulse Space to develop and launch a demonstration satellite. Announced on September 16, the self-funded project aims to test advanced maneuvering capabilities in space, a priority for U.S. national security.
The mission will showcase a system designed to move satellites into high orbits in less than a day, a process that currently takes months. This capability is seen as a direct response to the growing need for agile and responsive space assets.
Key Takeaways
- Anduril Industries and Impulse Space are collaborating on a self-funded satellite mission to demonstrate rapid orbital maneuvering.
- The mission will use Impulse's Helios kick stage, designed to move satellites from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit in under 24 hours.
- Anduril will provide advanced sensor and software payloads for autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).
- The demonstration is scheduled to launch in late 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
A New Approach to Orbital Mobility
The joint mission centers on addressing a critical challenge identified by the U.S. Space Force: the ability for satellites to change their position in orbit quickly and efficiently. This concept, known as "freedom of maneuver," is essential for modern defense and surveillance operations in space.
Gokul Subramanian, Anduril's senior vice president of engineering, stated that the project's primary objective is to prove the value of this capability. By demonstrating rapid repositioning, the companies intend to show how U.S. space assets can become more resilient and responsive to changing mission demands.
Impulse Space President Eric Romo reinforced this view, noting that feedback from the Space Force has consistently highlighted the need for high-thrust, maneuverable spacecraft. This project is designed to meet that specific requirement directly.
Geopolitical Context
The push for enhanced space mobility comes as other nations, particularly China, advance their own capabilities. Reports indicate that China has been actively testing satellite maneuver technology and close-approach operations, increasing the strategic importance of the space domain. This has prompted the United States to accelerate programs focused on space situational awareness and asset protection.
Impulse Space's Rapid Transit Technology
At the heart of the mission is Impulse Space's innovative propulsion system. The company will supply its Mira spacecraft, which is integrated with the Helios kick stage. The Helios system is powered by a high-performance Deneb engine.
The key feature of Helios is its ability to act as an express delivery service for satellites. It is engineered to propel payloads from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geostationary orbit (GEO), an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers (about 22,369 miles), in under 24 hours. This drastically reduces the months-long timeline typical for such orbital transfers.
Strategic Importance of GEO
The decision to test this technology in geostationary orbit was deliberate. According to Subramanian, GEO is home to many of the U.S. military's most valuable communication and surveillance satellites. Demonstrating rapid maneuverability in this critical region is therefore a top priority for the Space Force.
While the demonstration focuses on GEO, Eric Romo noted that the same spacecraft design is flexible. With minor modifications, it could also be used for missions in low Earth orbit, giving the platform versatility across different operational environments.
Impulse Space Contracts
The company has already secured significant government interest. In 2024, Impulse Space was awarded a $34.5 million contract from the Space Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to support rapid-response space missions, underscoring the military's confidence in its technology.
Anduril's Advanced Sensor Suite
While Impulse provides the transportation, Anduril is responsible for the mission's "eyes and brain." The company will equip the Mira spacecraft with a suite of advanced payloads designed for rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), which involve a spacecraft safely approaching another object in orbit.
The payload package includes:
- A long-wave infrared (LWIR) imager
- A mission data processor running Anduril's Lattice software
- Additional sensors provided by third-party manufacturers
The LWIR imager is particularly important. Subramanian explained that this sensor allows the satellite to detect and track very dim objects, even those hidden in Earth's shadow or during an eclipse when sunlight is blocked. This capability is crucial for maintaining continuous surveillance of other objects in space.
Autonomous Operations with Lattice Software
The mission's data processor will utilize Anduril's Lattice software, an AI-powered platform that integrates data from multiple sensors. The Space Force is already familiar with this technology, having awarded Anduril a contract in 2024 to use Lattice to connect its global Space Surveillance Network.
"These technologies will enable U.S. operators to perform RPO more safely and with greater precision, demonstrating how commercial firms can deliver military-grade solutions at lower cost."
By integrating Lattice, the demonstration satellite will be capable of autonomously tracking, identifying, and approaching other satellites. This automation reduces the burden on ground operators and allows for faster decision-making during critical missions.
Mission Profile and Commercial Outlook
The joint Anduril-Impulse mission is scheduled for launch in late 2026. It will be carried into space as a rideshare payload on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Mira spacecraft, which weighs approximately 300 kilograms (661 pounds) before payloads are added, will fly alongside other satellites, including one for the Space Force's Victus Surgo mission.
Impulse Space is also pursuing commercial applications for its Helios system. The company has announced partnerships to leverage its rapid orbital transport services.
One key partner is Astranis, a communications startup. In a mission planned for 2027, Astranis will use Helios to quickly deliver its MicroGEO satellites to their final orbit, allowing customers to access broadband services much sooner than with traditional methods.
Additionally, Impulse has signed a multi-launch agreement with the French company Infinite Orbits. This partnership will use the Helios system for a program called Caravan, which will deliver multiple satellite-servicing spacecraft to GEO in a single trip. The first Caravan mission, set for 2026, is already fully booked.
While much of the recent growth in the space industry has focused on LEO, both Anduril and Impulse believe that GEO represents the next major frontier for technological innovation and strategic operations.