Anduril and Impulse Space to collaborate on AI-driven satellite mobility (Image Credit: Space News)
WASHINGTON — The defense tech firm Anduril Industries announced a strategic partnership with California-based startup Impulse Space to develop advanced in-space maneuvering capabilities.
The companies plan to pursue military and defense contracts for space missions that involve complex orbital maneuvers, Anduril said Oct. 11.
The collaboration will focus on demonstrating “highly maneuverable space missions,” including military operations in nontraditional orbits that require more sophisticated navigation and agility.
Impulse Space, an emerging player in the field of in-space transportation, is known for its development of orbital transfer vehicles designed to move satellites between various orbits. The startup’s Mira orbital transfer vehicle will be central to the new partnership.
Anduril will integrate its Lattice AI-enabled software platform to operate Impulse’s Mira vehicle, allowing a single operator to control and maneuver multiple spacecraft simultaneously. The partnership will involve Anduril acting as a mission systems integrator, equipping Impulse’s spacecraft with its own payloads as well as those from other partners. The companies plan to demonstrate capabilities of interest to the U.S. Space Force and intelligence agencies such as rendezvous and proximity operations, space domain awareness, and satellite defense.
“In-space mobility is incredibly important for a range of national security space missions, including space domain awareness and dynamic space operations,” said Gokul Subramanian, Anduril’s senior vice president of space and engineering.
Impulse Space recently secured a contract with the U.S. Space Force for two space missions scheduled for 2026.
The companies’ technologies will help “unlock freedom of movement for national security missions that demand rapid and agile responses in space,” said Eric Romo, president and chief operating officer of Impulse Space.
Anduril, known for developing cutting-edge autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence, also recently formed a partnership with satellite manufacturing startup Apex as part of its broader strategy to integrate AI-driven technologies into spacecraft.
