Bothell, WA – Portal Space Systems has officially opened its 8,000 sq. ft. spacecraft development and testing facility in Bothell, Washington. This facility will serve as the integration and testing home of Portal’s premier product Supernova, the first commercial next-gen spacecraft combining high delta-v maneuverability, mission flexibility, and refuelability. Supernova is unlocking a limitless range of mission possibilities for both commercial and defense customers.
Portal Space Systems is establishing its home in the Pacific Northwest, joining a thriving aerospace ecosystem and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation in space and defense. By opening this facility in Bothell, Portal is not only building innovative spacecraft but also attracting top engineering and technical talent to Washington. The company is actively hiring engineers, technicians, and specialists and is committed to fostering local expertise, creating high-tech jobs, and collaborating with industry partners to further strengthen the state's role in next-generation space technology. Additionally, Portal is working closely with Washington-based suppliers and manufacturers and is continuously expanding its network of local partners to support its growing operations.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the facility's opening on March 17, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM PT. The event will feature remarks from Portal CEO and Co-Founder Jeff Thornburg, U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Bothell mayor, Mason Thompson, and other VIPs. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, see demonstrations, and engage with the Portal team.
“Supernova represents a major leap in how we operate in space. By enabling high-agility maneuvering, sustained operations, and mission adaptability, Supernova provides a new level of capability for both defense and commercial missions. We are proud to build and test this technology in Washington, creating opportunities for top aerospace talent to drive this innovation forward,” said Jeff Thornburg, CEO and Co-Founder of Portal Space Systems.
Supernova is built to operate across multiple orbits and execute complex transorbital maneuvers, extending mission lifespan and enabling sustained, multi-mission operations. These capabilities address a growing need for dynamic and resilient spacecraft, ensuring the U.S. and its allies can respond in real-time to events in space, while maintaining strategic superiority in an increasingly contested and congested domain.
The ability to maneuver quickly and efficiently in space is a core requirement for modern space operations. As space environments become more congested and contested, Supernova’s capabilities will play a pivotal role in supporting space domain awareness, orbital servicing, deep-space logistics, and national security missions. The spacecraft’s ability to extend mission lifespan and support multiple operational cycles makes it an invaluable asset in an era where sustainability and adaptability are paramount.
Portal Space Systems is a Seattle-based space start-up founded in 2021. It is led by space technology leader Jeff Thornburg and supported by COO Ian Vorbach and Vice President of Engineering Prashaanth Ravindran. Portal Space Systems is a full-service space maneuverability solution that offers tactical responsiveness and dynamic space operations via its flagship product, the Supernova satellite bus. Supernova is payload-agnostic with 500 kg of payload capacity and is powered by a novel solar-thermal propulsion system providing industry-leading 6 km/s delta-v. Portal Space Systems is launching the first Supernova in late 2025.