Portal Space Systems, founded in 2021 and based in Seattle, is a space startup focused on revolutionizing in-space maneuverability. They are developing the Supernova satellite bus, a payload-agnostic platform powered by a novel solar-thermal propulsion system designed for rapid orbital transfers. With funding from the Department of Defense and Space Force, Portal aims to provide tactical responsiveness and dynamic space operations capabilities. Their primary customer is the U.S. government, specifically the Space Force. Key words: satellite bus, solar-thermal propulsion, in-space mobility, space tug, maneuverability.
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Geodesic Capital and Mach33 led Portal Space Systems’ $50 million Series A round.
Booz Allen Ventures, ARK Invest, AlleyCorp, and FUSE participated in Portal Space Systems’ Series A round.
Portal Space Systems raised $50 million in a Series A round.
Portal Space Systems advanced from early development to flight-tested systems, flight heritage, and expanded operational capability across its spacecraft portfolio in the year after its seed round.
Portal Space Systems develops rapidly maneuverable spacecraft for operations across and between orbital regimes.
Portal Space Systems raised a $17.5 million seed round in 2025.
Jeff Thornburg is the CEO and founder of Portal Space Systems.
Portal Space Systems currently has about 40 employees.
Portal Space Systems launched an in-orbit demonstration with Momentus to gain flight heritage on avionics systems including a flight computer and power system.
Geodesic Capital and Mach33 led Portal Space Systems’ Series A round.
Portal Space Systems will move into a 52,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington later this year.
Portal Space Systems plans the first flight of its larger Supernova spacecraft no earlier than 2027.
Portal Space Systems aims to grow from 40 employees to 100 employees by the end of 2026.
Portal Space Systems launched its Mini-Nova payload on SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission to test systems for future spacecraft.
Portal Space Systems raised a $17.5 million seed round about a year before its Series A round.
Portal Space Systems expects to reach 80 or more employees by the end of the year.
Portal Space Systems is working to fly its Starburst spacecraft on Transporter-18 in Q4.
Portal Space Systems plans to launch its first Starburst spacecraft on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 mission in the fourth quarter of this year.
Portal Space Systems plans to build a 52,000-square-foot factory to scale production and meet demand.
Portal Space Systems raised a $50 million Series A round to continue building maneuverable spacecraft.