Impulse Space limits AI use in rocket engineering amid classified-program and ITAR constraints

Impulse Space is adopting AI selectively because rocket engineering has virtually zero tolerance for hallucinations or launch-critical errors. The CEO recalled that about a year ago a chat model repeatedly returned the same incorrect approach to a propulsion problem despite being corrected; he said its performance has improved significantly since then.

Classified programs and ITAR requirements prevent the company from generally using the latest models. The CEO said he worries these constraints could leave Impulse Space behind less-restricted technology companies, but the company uses AI for technical questions and coating-related work. For example, he asks Grok design questions, including a baseline Vespel valve-seat pressure of 3,000–5,000 PSI.