Insider Brief:
- Portal Space Systems has emerged from stealth mode with over $3 million in funding from the Department of Defense (DOD) and Space Force to support the development and launch of the company’s Supernova satellite bus.
- Jeff Thornburg, known for his work on SpaceX’s Raptor engine, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Commonwealth Fusion is leading the company as CEO.
- With a payload-agnostic design and a mass of 500 kg, the Supernova features a novel solar-thermal propulsion system.
Portal Space Systems, a Seattle-based space startup, has emerged from stealth mode with over $3 million in funding from the Department of Defense (DOD) and Space Force. This funding will support the development and launch of the company’s groundbreaking Supernova satellite bus, designed to revolutionize space maneuverability.
Led by industry veteran Jeff Thornburg, Portal Space Systems aims to empower the next generation of space operators with its innovative technology. Thornburg, known for his work on SpaceX’s Raptor engine, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Commonwealth Fusion, brings a wealth of experience to the project.
The Supernova satellite bus, engineered for rapid and long-range mobility in space, is the flagship product of Portal Space Systems. With a payload-agnostic design and a mass of 500 kg, the Supernova features a novel solar-thermal propulsion system. Its impressive 6 km/s delta-v capability sets a new standard for in-space mobility, offering 50 times the range of existing products on the market.
This means the Supernova can perform missions that were previously impossible, such as moving from Low Earth Orbit to geostationary orbit in hours, or reaching the moon in just days.
According to Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems, “The space industry hasn’t fundamentally improved satellite bus technology in decades. Our nation is developing 6th-generation fighter aircraft technology but still uses 1st-generation satellite buses. Portal’s Supernova is designed around the customer need for unparalleled mobility and extended mission life.”
Portal Space Systems has received significant support from the United States Space Force, solidifying its position as a key partner in advancing national interests in space. Ian Vorbach, COO of Portal Space Systems, expressed pride in their collaborative efforts with government partners.
The first launch of the Supernova system is targeted for late 2025.
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