German
spacetech HyImpulse has raised more than €50 million in a Series A extension to
advance its suborbital and orbital launch systems and expand its production and
commercial operations. The round was co-led by JOIN Capital and Ace Capital Partners, with participation from new investors North Ventures, BW-Capital,
Bayern Kapital and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Existing shareholder
Campus Founders Ventures also participated.
HyImpulse
develops launch services based on its proprietary hybrid propulsion technology
for suborbital and orbital missions. The system combines paraffin-based fuel
with liquid oxygen and is designed with fewer components and lower system
complexity than conventional liquid-fuel propulsion systems.
The
company currently operates the SR75, a suborbital launch vehicle designed for
research, testing and defence applications. Following its inaugural flight
campaign at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia in 2024, HyImpulse is
preparing a second SR75 launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland by the end
of 2026.
Alongside
its suborbital programme, HyImpulse is developing the SL1 orbital launch
vehicle for dedicated and responsive satellite launches. The company is also
targeting applications including in-space mobility, hypersonic testing and
threat simulation.
According
to Christian Schmierer, co-founder and CEO of HyImpulse, demand for launch
capabilities is growing across commercial, institutional and defence markets,
alongside Europe’s focus on developing independent access to space.
Europe
needs sovereign, responsive and economically sustainable launch capabilities.
Our proprietary hybrid propulsion technology and suborbital and orbital
services position us to meet growing demand across commercial, institutional
and defence markets,
said Schmierer.
The
new capital will be used to accelerate the development and commercialisation of
HyImpulse’s launch services, including preparations for the next SR75 mission
and the maiden flight of the SL1. The company also plans to expand its
production capacity and commercial operations in Europe and other markets.