Helios increases payload to the Moon on a Falcon 9 by a factor of four and to Mars by a factor of five.

“We can increase the payload to the moon on a on a Falcon 9 by about a factor of four.”

Impulse Space's Helios third-stage vehicle, targeting first flight in 2027, aims to deliver GEO-class performance at Falcon 9 prices and a near-monthly rideshare cadence.

“Helios starts to fly next year.”

Tom Mueller on Helios vs. Falcon Heavy cost positioning.

“It basically does what Falcon Heavy does for tens of millions of dollars less money.”

If Starship launches at Falcon 9 cost, Helios launch costs would fall by one third.

“It would cut our costs in by a third, our launch cost by a third.”

Most small-satellite customers launching on SpaceX Transporter rideshare do not actually need orbit changes, undermining the assumed demand for last-mile orbital transfer.

“It turns out most people were just happy where transporter went.”