HyImpulse Secures €11.8 Million Funding to Propel Small Launcher 1 into Orbit!

In an exciting development for the European space industry, HyImpulse Technologies GmbH, a leading force in launch systems for small satellites, has successfully secured €11.8 million in funding through the European Space Agency's (ESA) Boost! Program. This investment, part of a co-funded contract extension, is set to accelerate the development of HyImpulse's innovative Small Launcher 1 (SL1) orbital vehicle.

The SL1 is engineered to provide efficient and reliable orbital access for payloads up to 600 kilograms, addressing the growing demand for small satellite launches both in Europe and globally. This funding boost marks a significant step toward the commercialization of the SL1, aligning with ESA's commitment to promote sustainable and cutting-edge European launch systems that prioritize cost-effectiveness and quick deployment times.

Christian Schmierer, CEO and founder of HyImpulse, remarked, "This contract extension is an investment in Europe's future as a competitive force in space. Together with ESA, we are committed to creating a high-performance, sustainable launch solution that ensures Europe's independent access to space. Continued investment is essential to unlock Europe’s potential as a space leader, enabling critical scientific, commercial, and strategic missions."

Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA's Director of Space Transportation, expressed enthusiasm about the burgeoning commercial launch sector in Europe, stating, "Emerging commercial launch service providers are making strides toward their inaugural launches, and we are eager to witness their rockets deliver, thus enhancing the diversity of European launch services."

In the coming 18 months, HyImpulse and ESA will concentrate on refining pivotal aspects of the SL1, including propulsion systems, avionics, and structural engineering. They will also enhance testing and production facilities to ensure the delivery of a robust, high-performance launch vehicle, reinforcing their shared vision of sustainable access to space.

The SL1 is a multi-stage orbital launch vehicle that stands at an impressive 32 meters tall and weighs 50 tons. With the capability to reach altitudes over 500 kilometers, depending on payload weight, it is well-suited for low Earth orbit missions. HyImpulse aims to conduct the SL1’s inaugural launch in 2026, paving the way for a new era in European space capabilities.

As global interest in satellite deployment surges, the race for accessible and economical launch options intensifies—making this an exhilarating moment for the European space landscape! What’s next for HyImpulse and the future of small satellite launches? Stay tuned as 2026 approaches!