HyImpulse

Overview HyImpulse Technologies GmbH is a German launch company developing hybrid‑propulsion rockets for suborbital research and dedicated small‑satellite missions. Founded in 2018 as a DLR spinoff, the company is headquartered in Neuenstadt am Kocher, Germany, with additional offices in the United Kingdom. HyImpulse’s approach centers on paraffin‑based (wax) fuel with liquid oxygen (LOX), aiming to combine simpler ground handling with competitive performance. Launch Vehicles • SR75 (suborbital): A single‑stage, hybrid‑propulsion sounding rocket used to validate engines, avionics, structures, recovery, and operations for the orbital program. SR75 completed its maiden flight on 3 May 2024 from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range (South Australia), reaching ~50 km apogee before parachute recovery. • SL1 (orbital, in development): A three‑stage small‑satellite launcher powered by HyImpulse’s HyPLOX‑75 hybrid motors (paraffin + LOX). In its initial configuration, SL1 is designed to deliver up to ~600 kg to low Earth orbit on dedicated missions, with engine commonality to SR75 to accelerate development and reduce risk. Propulsion • HyPLOX‑75 hybrid motor: Flight‑qualified in 2023 after a multi‑campaign hot‑fire test program. The motor architecture uses a solid paraffin‑based fuel grain and liquid oxygen oxidizer, enabling throttleable operations and lower toxicity relative to hydrazine‑based systems. The HyPLOX‑75 is planned for use on SR75 and on the first and second stages of SL1. Launch Sites and Infrastructure • Australia (suborbital): Koonibba Test Range, operated by Southern Launch, supports SR75 campaigns including the May 2024 maiden flight and future test flights. • United Kingdom (orbital): SL1 orbital missions are planned from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. SaxaVord received the UK’s first vertical launch spaceport licence in December 2023; HyImpulse has also received UK government support to prepare for an initial campaign. • Germany & UK footprint: Corporate headquarters and production are based in Neuenstadt am Kocher, with a UK office in Lerwick (Shetland) and a design office in Ottobrunn, Germany. Status and Outlook HyImpulse is transitioning from suborbital demonstrations to orbital launch services with SL1. Near‑term priorities include additional SR75 flights, stage‑level testing and qualification of SL1 hardware, build‑out of launch infrastructure at SaxaVord, and progression toward first orbital demonstration followed by commercial service for dedicated and rideshare small‑sat missions.