Impulse Space Enters Lunar Race with New Private Moon Lander
Impulse Space, a commercial space company founded by Tom Mueller in 2021, has announced its ambitious plans to enter the lunar race with a new private moon lander. This initiative was revealed on October 14, 2023, as part of a broader vision to enhance lunar exploration.
Details of Impulse Space’s Lunar Endeavors
The upcoming moon lander aims to facilitate the delivery of significant payloads to the lunar surface. According to Mueller, the mission could take off as soon as 2028. In addition to the lunar lander, Impulse is developing a “kick stage” called Helios. This stage enhances the transportation of payloads from low Earth orbit (LEO) to the Moon.
Mission Architecture
- Helios will serve as a cruise stage, transporting the lander to low lunar orbit within one week.
- Once in lunar orbit, the lander will detach from Helios to descend to the moon’s surface.
- Each mission can deliver up to 3 tons of payload to the moon.
Mueller emphasized that this architecture doesn’t necessitate in-space refueling, showcasing its efficiency.
Competitive Landscape
Impulse Space is entering a competitive field of private lunar landers. Other companies, such as Intuitive Machines and Tokyo-based ispace, have already launched their own lunar missions. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C spacecraft has attempted landings twice, while ispace’s Hakuto-R has faced challenges, including hard crash landings.
| Company | Lunar Lander | Mission Status |
|---|---|---|
| Intuitive Machines | Nova-C | Two missions; tipped over post-landing |
| ispace | Hakuto-R | Two failed attempts; crashed on landing |
| Astrobotic | Peregrine | One mission; did not leave Earth’s orbit |
| Firefly Aerospace | Blue Ghost | One successful mission |
Future of Lunar Exploration
Impulse Space aims to provide a vital link between small robotic landers and larger crew-capable vehicles like SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon. The company intends to deliver essential equipment for a sustainable lunar presence, including rovers, communication systems, and power generators.
Technological Innovations
The new moon lander’s engine is being designed to utilize a nitrous and ethane bipropellant. This combination has already proven effective in the company’s existing space tug, Mira. Impulse Space’s ability to transform concepts into operational spacecraft swiftly is a cornerstone of its strategy.
With confidence in their capabilities and a solid track record, Impulse Space is prepared to contribute to the next chapter of lunar exploration.
