HyImpulse Secures €45 Million To Advance European Rocket Technology
HyImpulse Technologies GmbH (HyImpulse), a European developer of hybrid propulsion systems for satellite transportation, has secured €15 million in equity as part of its Series A funding round and an additional €30 million in public financing. Funding will support the advancement and commercialization of the company’s SL1 orbital rocket as well as the expansion of HyImpulse’s production capabilities.
The recent funding round was led by Campus Founders Ventures, with participation from Helantic, GIMIC, Global Resilience Innovation Fund (GRIF), Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft (MBG) Baden-Württemberg, Start-up BW Innovation Fonds, Sparkassen-Beteiligungsgesellschaft (SBG) Heilbronn-Franken, Vienna Point, and BTRON. Since its inception in 2018, HyImpulse has raised approximately €74 million in capital.
Established in 2018 by Dr Christian Schmierer, Konstantin Tomilin, and Ulrich Fischer, HyImpulse aims to fill a significant gap in the European space industry. Europe currently launches less than 1% of the world’s satellites and depends heavily on external providers, which can lead to scheduling delays and geopolitical risks for customers. HyImpulse addresses this issue with its innovative hybrid rocket engine, combining the benefits of both solid and liquid fuels. This design reduces complexity by half compared to traditional systems, while also improving cost-effectiveness and reliability.
HyImpulse’s SL1 orbital rocket is based on proprietary hybrid technology. In 2024, the company reached a milestone with the successful test flight of its SR75 suborbital rocket, which showcased the world’s first commercial paraffin-based hybrid rocket engine. The initial commercial launch of the SR75 is scheduled for 2026. Building upon the SR75’s success, HyImpulse is developing the three-stage SL1 orbital rocket, capable of transporting up to 600 kilograms to low Earth orbit, expected in 2027.
HyImpulse joins other emerging European launch startups, like Isar Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg, but stands out because of its unique hybrid technology, which offers increased safety and lower costs for lighter payloads. With 65 employees operating from Neuenstadt, Ottobrunn, and Glasgow, HyImpulse has built a strong order pipeline valued at hundreds of millions of euros, driving forward Europe’s ambition for independent access to space. Positioning itself as “Europe’s flexible taxi to space,” HyImpulse allows clients to select customized launch windows rather than being restricted to fixed rideshare slots, a practical alternative to established companies such as SpaceX.
Dr. Christian Schmierer, co-founder and CEO of HyImpulse, commented: “Europe currently lacks independent access to space. This capital injection will expedite the commercialization of our orbital rocket, enhancing Europe’s autonomy and competitiveness. While providers such as SpaceX offer scheduled launch services, our solution enables flexible mission planning by allowing customers to select tailored launch options.”
HyImpulse envisions expanding its capabilities beyond satellite launches. The company seeks to position Europe competitively within the rapidly growing trillion-euro space sector by establishing ‘Made in Europe’ rockets as enduring representations of independence, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Oliver Hanisch, CEO of Campus Founders Ventures, remarked: “With extremely efficient use of resources, HyImpulse is the first privately financed German space company to develop a hybrid rocket and successfully complete a suborbital test flight. The company addresses a geopolitically crucial market. HyImpulse is a role model for how start-ups can successfully translate cutting-edge research and deep tech into marketable products.”