Impulse Space has unveiled significant upgrades to its Mira spacecraft, expanding its operational range beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and enhancing its capacity for complex space missions. These advancements are slated to debut on the upcoming LEO Express 3 mission later this year, which is currently fully booked.
The upgraded Mira spacecraft now features a 20% increase in thrust from its Saiph thrusters, bringing them to 6 pounds-force (lbf) from the previous 5 lbf. This, combined with increased propellant capacity, allows for up to 900 meters per second of delta-v for 100 kg payloads, offering greater reach and maneuverability. Power generation has also been substantially improved with the introduction of deployable, articulated solar arrays, providing more than double the payload power of earlier designs. This enhanced power output is crucial for supporting more demanding payloads and operations.
Further enhancing its utility, the Mira spacecraft now incorporates advanced autonomy and cybersecurity features. These include on-orbit mission reconfiguration, automated payload operations, stationkeeping, and data downlink capabilities. For sensitive missions, cybersecurity has been fortified with NSA Type 1 cryptographic protection and compliance with CNSSP-12, ensuring the security of classified mission data. The spacecraft's redesigned single-bay structure is optimized to maximize payload volume, a key benefit for rideshare missions. This structure is supported by four reaction wheels and four star trackers, all developed in-house, providing enhanced precision for complex operations.
Impulse Space is also preparing Mira for Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives, with the VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO missions planned for 2026. These missions will demonstrate Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) capabilities, a key area of focus for the DoD to enable rapid response to evolving threats in space. TacRS aims to reduce response times from months to days or even hours, enhancing national security through agile space operations.
The company's commitment to advancing in-space mobility is evident in its strategic vision. Following the LEO Express 3 mission, Impulse Space will focus on these DoD demonstrations, further solidifying Mira's role in supporting both commercial and defense sectors. Impulse Space was founded by Tom Mueller, a founding member of SpaceX and creator of the Merlin rocket engine, with the goal of dramatically improving in-space mobility, a critical element for a thriving space economy.