Abuja, 20 November 2024. – HyImpulse Technologies GmbH (“HyImpulse”), has announced the receipt of €11.8 million in new funding as a co-funded contract extension under ESA’s Boost! Program.
This investment will accelerate the development of the launch service’s Small Launcher 1 (SL1) orbital vehicle, advancing the company’s mission to deliver reliable, cost-effective orbital access for payloads up to 600 kg across Europe and globally.
The new contract represents a major milestone in accelerating HyImpulse SL1’s commercialization. Furthermore, the strategic investment from ESA underscores its commitment to innovative and sustainable European launch solutions, focused on rapid deployment, cost efficiency, and greater accessibility for orbital missions. Consequently, over the next 18 months, this funding will drive the next development phase for SL1, supporting technological advancements, testing protocols, and key milestones in operational readiness.
Commenting on the investment, Christian Schmierer, CEO and founder at HyImpulse, remarked, “This contract extension is an investment in Europe’s future as a competitive force in space. Together with ESA, we are creating a high-performance, sustainable launch solution to secure Europe’s independent access to space and meet the surging global demand for small satellite launches.”
Schmierer also added, “But to fully realize Europe’s potential as a space leader, sustained and increased investment is imperative—not optional. With continued support from ESA and European stakeholders, we have the potential to unlock a new era of European leadership in space, driving forward critical scientific, commercial, and strategic missions.”
The SL1 multi-stage orbital launch vehicle, scheduled for its inaugural lift-off in 2026, stands at 32 meters and weighs 50 tons. Additionally, it can ascend to an altitude exceeding 500 km, reaching low Earth orbits, depending on the weight of the payload.
