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#Space
TechCrunch
TechCrunch
4d ago 11 views

Impulse Space details plan to deliver up to 6 tons a year to the moon

Impulse Space announced plans to deliver up to 6 tons of cargo to the moon starting in 2028, addressing a gap in lunar logistics. This initiative is significant for advancing lunar exploration and commercial opportunities.
Impulse Space details plan to deliver up to 6 tons a year to the moon
A What happened
Impulse Space has laid out a detailed plan to deliver up to 6 tons of cargo to the moon each year, starting in 2028. This initiative aims to fill a significant gap in the current lunar logistics market, specifically for payloads that are too large for NASA's existing Commercial Lunar Payload Services landers and too small for the upcoming human-rated landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. The company will utilize a new lunar lander paired with its Helios high-energy kick stage, which will transport the lander to low lunar orbit within a week after launch. The lander will then descend to the lunar surface, capable of carrying payloads ranging from rovers to habitat modules. Impulse Space, founded by former SpaceX propulsion chief Tom Mueller, is already developing the lunar lander engine and expects to conduct multiple Helios flights annually by 2028, provided industry demand supports it.

Key insights

  • 1

    New lunar delivery capabilities

    Impulse Space's plan introduces new logistics for mid-sized lunar payloads.

  • 2

    Cost-effective solutions

    The initiative aims to provide affordable lunar delivery options.

  • 3

    Industry demand considerations

    The company's execution depends on market interest and demand.

Takeaways

If successful, Impulse Space's lunar delivery plan could revolutionize payload logistics for lunar exploration, enabling a broader range of missions and commercial opportunities.