HyImpulse Technologies, a leading German developer of hybrid rocket propulsion systems and a member of our New Space group, has secured €45 million to accelerate the commercialisation of its SL1 orbital rocket and expand production capacity in Europe.

The funding consists of a €15 million Series A equity round, led by Campus Founders Ventures, alongside €30 million in public financing. Since its founding in 2018, HyImpulse has raised a total of around €74 million.

The investment marks a milestone for the company’s mission to make European space transport more flexible, affordable, and sovereign.

“Europe does not have its own  access to space. With this injection of capital we will accelerate the commercialization of our orbital  rocket, making Europe more independent and competitive,” said Dr Christian Schmierer, co-founder and CEO of HyImpulse. “While providers such as SpaceX offer a scheduled bus service to space, our solutions allow us to develop a flexible taxi service so that our customers can choose individual launch solutions and flexibly plan their schedules.”

Campus Founders Ventures leads the round, joined by investors including Helantic, GIMIC, Global Resilience Innovation Fund (GRIF), MBG Baden-Württemberg, Start-up BW Innovation Fonds, SBG Heilbronn Franken, Vienna Point, and BTRON.

“HyImpulse has already made space history,” said Oliver Hanisch, CEO of Campus Founders Ventures. “[..] It is the first privately financed German space company to develop and successfully complete a suborbital test flight. [..] HyImpulse is a role model for how start-ups can successfully  translate cutting-edge research and deep tech into marketable products. [..]”

From suborbital success to orbital launch

In 2024, HyImpulse achieved a major milestone with the successful test flight of the SR75 suborbital rocket, proving the viability of its paraffin-based hybrid propulsion system. The company plans the first commercial SR75 launch in 2026, paving the way for its three-stage SL1 orbital rocket, capable of transporting up to 600 kilograms of payload into low Earth orbit from 2027.

Strengthening Europe’s space autonomy

Europe currently relies heavily on non-European providers for satellite launches, accounting for less than 1% of global launches in 2024 (Space Economy Report 2024). HyImpulse’s hybrid technology reduces rocket components by around 50%, cuts costs and improves reliability — key advantages for developing cost-efficient, sustainable launch services in the small-satellite segment.

We have previously published an interview with HyImpulse here.

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