Impulse Space confirms fourth Mira spacecraft in orbit for propulsion trials

(SpaceEnergy) Impulse Space has confirmed that its fourth Mira spacecraft is operating in low Earth orbit following a 20 October launch, beginning commissioning ahead of planned propulsion manoeuvres and upgraded systems testing.

The LEO Express 4 spacecraft launched aboard SpaceX's Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, with launch arrangements provided by Exolaunch.

Impulse Space confirmed on 22 October that initial telemetry had been received following spacecraft separation. The vehicle was healthy and undergoing commissioning and checkout procedures.

The mission will evaluate Mira's upgraded propulsion capabilities, including increased velocity-change capacity and rapid successive thruster firings.

Mira incorporates eight independently controllable Saiph bipropellant thrusters, each rated at 26N, using nitrous oxide and ethane.

The spacecraft's published specifications indicate a combined maximum thrust of approximately 208N.

The upgraded platform also incorporates deployable solar arrays and enhanced avionics intended to support operations beyond low Earth orbit.

LEO Express 4 is an internal technology demonstration without customer payloads. It follows the LEO Express 3 mission, which introduced the upgraded spacecraft configuration in November 2025.

The latest flight will evaluate propulsion responsiveness, manoeuvrability and additional avionics improvements under orbital operating conditions.

Impulse Space has not yet reported completed propulsion manoeuvres, measured velocity changes or results from the planned rapid-firing demonstrations.