HyImpulse, a German deep tech startup and member of the EIC Scaling Club’s New Space group, aims to revolutionise the small satellite launch industry with its innovative paraffin-based hybrid rocket technology. HyImpulse is democratising access to space by reducing costs for smaller satellite operators, while empowering them to launch on their own terms, instead of hitching rides on larger rockets. 

"Our mission is to enable everyone to have access to space for a low cost," explains Christian Schmierer, one of HyImpulse's co-founders.

Transforming space launch with innovative propulsion

The company's unique selling point lies in its use of paraffin as fuel in a hybrid rocket engine – a choice that dramatically reduces both manufacturing costs and operational complexity while maintaining high safety standards.

Unlike traditional rocket fuels, paraffin – essentially candle wax – is non-explosive, significantly cheaper to produce, and easier to transport and handle. This technological choice translates into simpler rocket architecture and lower operational costs, potentially making space access more affordable for customers looking to put smaller payloads into orbit. 

By focusing on small launch services, targeting payloads up to 600 kilograms, HyImpulse allows smaller satellite operators to become primary customers rather than secondary passengers on larger rockets, where they must compromise on the schedule and location of the launch. 

From student group to space innovation

Founded in 2018, HyImpulse’s history stretches back to a student group that was formed in 2006 at the University of Stuttgart by Mario Kobald – another HyImpulse co-founder. As Christian puts it: “In a way, what you see today is the result of almost 20 years of development history”, though the idea really started to take shape in 2012, when the team won funding from the German Aerospace Center to build a rocket. 

The team's early success came in 2016 when they launched a student rocket and set a world record, demonstrating the potential of their technology. At the time, companies like Rocket Lab were gaining traction in the US and New Zealand, whereas Europe lacked significant small rocket initiatives. The founders recognized this market opportunity and knew their low-cost rocket technology could fill this gap, leading to HyImpulse's establishment in 2018.

Today, the company has grown to approximately 60 employees across three locations. The international team represents 15-16 different nationalities, bringing diverse expertise to the challenge of revolutionizing space access.

Overcoming technical and financial challenges

Like many deep-tech startups, HyImpulse has faced significant challenges in its development journey. The technical complexity of rocket development, combined with the need for specialized testing facilities and manufacturing capabilities, presents ongoing hurdles. The company successfully addressed these challenges by establishing a testing site in the Shetland Islands, UK, providing an ideal remote location.

A major technical milestone was achieved in early 2024 with the successful launch of their first rocket using the paraffin-based hybrid engine technology. This achievement demonstrated the viability of their innovative propulsion system and positioned HyImpulse as one of only two European rocket startups to have launched successfully. Christian says:

“We spent less than 20 million euros on this rocket development, which is probably less than half of what anyone else has done so far in this industry. It also demonstrates the efficiency with which we will approach the orbital launch service development.” 

The company has secured nearly 20 million euros in private capital and approximately 25 million euros in grants and contracts from various sources, including the European Space Agency, European Commission, and UK Space Agency. 

Looking to the future

HyImpulse is now at a crucial growth phase, planning to double its team size to over 100 people in the next 12-18 months. The company's roadmap includes an improved suborbital launch in the coming year and an orbital launch within the next 2-3 years.

As part of the EIC Scaling Club, HyImpulse aims to leverage the network for improved fundraising processes and knowledge sharing with other growth-stage companies. Christian says:

“We see this membership as a valuable opportunity to connect with investors and learn from other experts in the field.” 

Currently, HyImpulse is raising a 30 million euro round to fund its next phase of development over the next 12-18 months.

About the EIC Scaling Club

The EIC Scaling Club is a curated community where 120+ European deep tech scale-ups with the potential to build world-class businesses and solve major global challenges come together with investors, corporate innovators and other industry stakeholders to spur growth.

The top 120+ European deep tech companies will be carefully selected from a pool of high-growth scale-ups that have benefitted from EIC financial schemes, other European and national innovation programmes, and beyond.

The EIC Scaling Club is an EIC-funded initiative run in partnership by Tech Tour, Bpifrance (EuroQuity), Hello Tomorrow, Tech.eu (Webrazzi), EurA and IESE Business School.

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