24/7 Space News
ROCKET SCIENCE
NASA contracts Impulse Space for studies on cost effective orbital transfer solutions
illustration only
NASA contracts Impulse Space for studies on cost effective orbital transfer solutions
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 08, 2025

NASA has chosen Impulse Space to prepare two orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) service studies aimed at identifying more affordable ways to deliver spacecraft to challenging orbital destinations. The work, awarded under NASA's VADR contract through the Launch Services Program, will inform the agency about commercial OTV capabilities for future mission planning.

The studies will examine how Impulse's Mira and Helios platforms can help NASA reach hard-to-access orbits more efficiently. Potential applications include delivering multiple payloads to different destinations on one launch or extending a single payload's reach beyond current launch service limits.

Mira is a high-thrust, maneuverable spacecraft designed for payload hosting and deployment across Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit, Geostationary Orbit, cislunar space, and farther. It has completed two successful missions, demonstrating flexible payload hosting and deployment within a target orbit.

Helios is a high-energy kick stage engineered for rapid payload delivery to MEO, GEO, and beyond. Capable of transporting over 5 tons from LEO to GEO in under 24 hours, it enables significant cost savings by pairing medium-lift rockets with access to higher-energy orbits.

"Mobility is the next great unlock for space," said Tom Mueller, founder and CEO of Impulse Space. "We're proud to support NASA's efforts to explore how commercial in-space mobility can increase mission flexibility, reduce cost, and expand the envelope of what's possible in orbit."

This initiative aligns with Impulse's mission to accelerate humanity's expansion beyond Earth by providing responsive, dependable, and economical in-space transportation.

Related Links
Impulse Space
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROCKET SCIENCE
Intuitive Machines wins funding to advance orbital logistics vehicle
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 05, 2025
Intuitive Machines has secured a $9.8 million government contract to progress its Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) through Critical Design Review, the final engineering phase before manufacturing begins. This Phase Two award expands the company's government work beyond lunar surface delivery and strengthens its role in the growing market for orbital mobility solutions. The award is not affiliated with NASA, marking a strategic step by Intuitive Machines to broaden its customer base across commercial ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Intuitive Machines to Acquire KinetX Expanding Role in Deep Space Navigation and Mars Relay Services

Sidus Space commissions autonomous SpacePilot system and activates LizzieSat-3 ADCS

Argo and ThinkOrbital to launch first orbital mission using long-range X-ray imaging

Four astronauts home from space station after splashdown

ROCKET SCIENCE
Northrop Grumman speeds innovation in solid rocket motor development with second SMART Demo success

NASA contracts Impulse Space for studies on cost effective orbital transfer solutions

NASA races to put nuclear reactors on Moon and Mars

Intuitive Machines wins funding to advance orbital logistics vehicle

ROCKET SCIENCE
Martian fractures reveal ancient forces and icy flows

Perseverance Rover Delivers Most Detailed Mars Panorama Yet

SpaceX agrees to take Italian experiments to Mars

Unique Martian sulfate points to recent thermal activity and mineral formation

ROCKET SCIENCE
Astronaut crew tests new generation spacewalk suits and conducts health research aboard Tiangong

Six Chinese universities to launch new low altitude space major this fall

International deep space alliance launched in Hefei China

China launches international association to boost global access to deep space research

ROCKET SCIENCE
Muon Space launches MuSat XL for advanced LEO missions with Hubble Network as debut customer

New internet satellites expand China's orbital network

Dynamic satellite design advanced through Space RCO industry forum

Voyager expands AI radar capabilities with EMSI acquisition

ROCKET SCIENCE
Automated collision avoidance system moves closer to space deployment

NASA partners with US companies to assess orbit boost for Swift Observatory

Breakthrough smart plastic: Self-healing, shape-shifting, and stronger than steel

EDGX secures multi million euro seed funding to advance satellite AI computing

ROCKET SCIENCE
Hints emerge of giant planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A

Some young suns align with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted

Planets without water could still produce certain liquids

Super alcohol discovery reveals potential building block of cosmic life

ROCKET SCIENCE
Simulated ice volcanoes reveal how water behaves on distant moons

China eyes Neptune for groundbreaking ice giant mission

JunoCam revived by onboard heat treatment just in time for Io flyby

Rare Trans Neptunian Object Reveals Unexpected Orbital Dance with Neptune

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.