Impulse Space Joins US Military Launch Race with Helios Kick-Stage

US Space Force expands Phase 3 to add Impulse Space and Relativity Space to Lane 1, bringing newer entrants into high-energy GEO-capable launches. Impulse Space, though focused on in-space propulsion, plans to use its Helios kick-stage to boost payloads up to 9 km/s delta‑V and integrate with boosters from Falcon 9, ULA, Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, and more; it must demonstrate Helios in flight before it can win task orders, with launches expected 18–24 months after award. The company shipped a Helios run tank for testing and reports good Deneb engine progress, aiming for a 2027 debut on Falcon 9. Lane 1 exists to diversify competition, while Lane 2 covers established providers like SpaceX and ULA.