Impulse Space, a startup co-founded by SpaceX engine guru Tom Mueller, has raised $500 million in its Series D funding round. The influx of capital will be used to hire up to 200 new employees and expand the company's focus on highly maneuverable spacecraft.

The newly acquired funds will aid Impulse Space in building and testing more space vehicles. Eric Romo, President and COO, emphasized that while software teams are exploring AI tools, real-world engineering challenges still require human expertise. Romo believes that for tasks like designing hardware components, the current state of AI is not yet sufficient.

Impulse Space's Mira spacecraft made its third flight last year but faced some technical issues. The company plans to launch a new mission before the end of the year, which will address these challenges by improving navigation systems and optimizing propulsion efficiency.

The increased focus on hiring reflects the growing demand in aerospace talent as more companies enter this competitive space. Impulse Space has recently opened an office in Colorado to tap into this expanding pool of skilled engineers.

Reflecting on AI's role, Romo suggests that while it is useful for coding and other digital tasks, complex design challenges still need the hands-on insight of human designers.