Impulse engine
In brief:Impulse engine — an Xterium research: gives impulse engine speed +250% at maximum, up to 50 upgrade levels, cost 35–92 000 000 science.
(data current as of 2026-05-22, game version 2.12.7)
Description
Essentially an improved version of a jet engine, where fuel is consumed not by combustion, but by detonation. Modern models of pulse motors have enough power to provide the necessary thrust to medium-class vessels.
What it gives
Levels: effect and price
| Level | Impulse engine speed | Science (price) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5% | 35 |
| 8 | +40% | 2 470 |
| 15 | +75% | 50 490 |
| 22 | +110% | 285 000 |
| 29 | +145% | 5 600 000 |
| 36 | +180% | 36 000 000 |
| 43 | +215% | 64 000 000 |
| 50 | +250% | 92 000 000 |
Reference levels are shown. The study price is in Science points (values, they grow with the level). It can be instantly sped up with Dark Matter.
Science price and calculator
How much science each level needs:
Calculator: time and instant speed-up
Enter your science and choose a level — we'll show how long the research takes and how much dark matter is needed to finish it instantly.
Formulas verified: time = science price ÷ your science per hour (but no less than price ÷ 5), divided by research speed. Instant completion is calculated by the dark matter for the remaining time. Overlock multiplies the science price (and thus the time and dark matter): each overlock level is pricier.
Overclock (honing)
After the maximum level, the research can be “honed” with star ore — this gives a super-bonus.
Impulse engine speed · first reset 150 star ore
Each reset adds the bonus on top of the max level; the star-ore price grows with every reset.
Requirements
To unlock this research, you need to raise the following to the required level:
Research is upgraded in the Laboratory and the Technopolis.
