Impulse Space to Develop High-Energy Kick Stage for Satellite Transportation

Helios, set for first flight in 2026, aims to transport satellites from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit in less than a day.

Impulse Space, a California-based company, has announced plans to develop a high-energy kick stage named Helios, which can transport satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geostationary orbit (GEO) in less than a day.
Helios is designed to be compatible with a wide range of launch vehicles and can serve as an additional stage for SpaceX’s Falcon 9, providing two-thirds of the capability of a Falcon Heavy at a significantly lower cost.
The kick stage will be powered by an engine called Deneb, which is currently under development and expected to begin testing in the summer.
Impulse Space plans to launch the first flight of Helios in early 2026, with an initial frequency of four to six times a year.
The company has already raised $45 million in a Series A round and is now working on a Series B round to support work on Helios.