Maneuverability when you need it. On demand.

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Portal Space Systems Expands Manufacturing Footprint with New 50,000 Sq. Ft. Facility in Bothell, WA

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Space has changed, but spacecraft haven't. Static vehicles can't meet the demands of a dynamic environment. Chemical propulsion can't sustain maneuver, electric propulsion doesn't have the speed. We need a better spacecraft for this modern domain.

Supernova is our answer

A maneuverable, solar-thermal spacecraft engineered for persistent delta-v, on-demand autonomy, and real-time control.

6 km/s

delta-v

On-Standby

taskable in minutes

<24h

payload swap

Trans-orbital freedom.
Mission-ready capability.

Supernova delivers sustained maneuverability across orbits, from LEO to Cislunar space and back, with a multi-year life for persistent responsiveness.

For National Security

Respond fast. Shadow threats. Extend reach across orbital regimes.

  • Cislunar logistics & tactical mobility
  • Rapid-response capabilities
  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

For Science & Exploration

Deliver payloads. Hit tighter timelines. Push deeper into space.

  • Low-cost lunar insertion
  • Experimental platform deliver
  • Orbital repositioning for extended mission life

For commercial operators

Fix what’s failing. Service what matters. Move with purpose.

  • Constellation maintenance
  • Life extension & servicing
  • Debris mitigation with precision maneuvering

Solar Thermal Propulsion (STP)

Jeff Thornburg

CEO & CTO

From architecting the Raptor engine to pioneering liquid propulsion at NASA, Jeff Thornburg’s career has been defined by building what others thought impossible. Now, he’s applying decades of expertise to unlock a more agile, scalable future in space.

The Case for Solar Thermal

Solar thermal propulsion isn’t new and it’s far from unproven. Backed by decades of research and now Portal has modernized it through advanced materials and additive manufacturing, it’s finally ready to move from the lab to orbit.

Portal in Progress

We’re building fast, testing like we fly, and sharing our progress. Follow along for the latest updates as we validate Portal’s hardware and bring our spacecraft closer to flight.

Hyper-flexible.
Mission-adaptable. Payload-ready.

Supernova does more than move - it enables.No matter the payload, it delivers the maneuverability to take it further.

Operating an 8,000 sq ft R&D site in Washington, enabling systematic component testing, engine hot-firing, and performance validation.

Q4 ‘25

Full-Scale STP®

Full-Scale STP® System Validation (Critical Hot-Fire Test Completion)

Q2‘26

Launch

De-risking launch of multiple critical Supernova systems dubbed mini-nova on Momentus' Vigoride 7

Q4‘26

Launch

First free-flying on-orbit demonstration

2027

Scale-up

Commence.... Production capabilities for 12 Supernova per year

Supernova doesn't just reach orbit - it rewrites what's possible once you're there.

Let’s talk about how Supernova can move your mission.

Talk to us

Portal in the News

All news

Portal Space Systems Expands Manufacturing Footprint with New 50,000 Sq. Ft. Facility in Bothell, WA

Portal Space Systems, Led by former SpaceX Propulsion VP, Targets In-Space Maneuverability

Portal Space Systems unveils Supernova, an ultra-mobile spacecraft

Join the team

See all jobs

Senior Electrical Engineer – Spacecraft Power Systems & Bus Architecture

Engineering

Bothell, WA

Full-time

Senior Thermal Engineer – Spacecraft Systems

Engineering

Bothell, WA

Full-time

Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer

Engineering

Bothell, WA

Full-time