The newest entrant in the military’s launch competition isn't actually a launch company

Impulse Space, an orbital transportation company, has been added to the Space Force's National Security Space Launch program's Phase 3 Lane 1 contract alongside launch startup Relativity Space. Unlike traditional launch providers, Impulse is primarily focused on orbital transfer vehicles, with its Helios vehicle—a high-energy upper stage designed to transport payloads between orbits and slated to fly in 2027—selected for the competition. The addition expands the competitive field for "commercial-like" military missions to seven providers and is intended to broaden the launch industrial base.

Source: Ars Technica | 2026-07-09