Halfway through the Obama Administration, findings from the Augustine Commission led to public-private partnerships for orbital transportation, marking a significant policy change. As a result, the falling costs of launches have created a thriving space economy. Much of the focus has been on commercial launch providers that are enabling smaller satellites and more rocket missions to reach space. But what happens once you get into orbit. Impulse Space Propulsion is focused on in-space transportation services for the inner solar system to complement the ever-increasing number of launches. While costs per payload have significantly decreased, by extending “last-mile” capabilities, orbital missions can be grouped together resulting in more efficiency and accessibility – essentially building a hub-spoke model for space. The company is initially focused on Low Orbit Earth to handle a wide array of uses beyond launch like payload delivery, servicing, deorbiting, and space station realignment.
LA TechWatch caught up with Impulse Space Propulsion COO Barry A. Matsumori to learn more about the business, the company’s strategic plans, latest round of funding, and much, much more…
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
This seed round was led by Founders Fund for $20M.
Tell us about your product or service.
We wanted to provide in-space transportation services that will complement the number of launch services that will need the ability to transport their payloads to final destinations on orbit. This could be for rideshare purposes, last mile deliveries, or other space logistics services as they arise.
What inspired the start of Impulse Space Propulsion?
Tom Mueller is the founder of the Company and he has always been interested in in-space transport as well as from Earth. His work on space vehicle designs after leaving SpaceX led to the creation of Impulse Space Propulsion.
How is it different?
Offering a competitive, efficient and effective solution to deliver payloads to their destinations is the goal of the Company. With existing launch vehicles needing partners and future launch vehicles further reducing the cost to orbit, there will be more missions to deliver space capability. As such, providing a price competitive solution is going to be key.
What market you are targeting and how big is it?
There is not a single answer to this question as we expect the market to evolve and expand in the coming years.
What’s your business model?
We will provide in-space transportation services. Thus, the business model is to deliver payloads to their destination and charge fees for that delivery.
What are your post-COVID office plans??
We are like most businesses that are combining remote work with work in the office. We are developing space vehicles, so some presence in our development labs is necessary as well as for testing.
What advice can you offer companies in Los Angeles that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
It’s challenging to offer a broad comment on advice as every company is unique in its circumstances and no one solution works for everyone.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity in LA?
With the fantastic climate in Southern California, running and biking are excellent here.
