Austin, TX - August 27, 2024 – Portal Space Systems is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $45 Million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) by the United States Air Force. This prestigious award was announced on August 22, 2024, during the SpaceWERX STRATFI Successes and Selections panel held at the Fed Supernova event in Austin, Texas.
The STRATFI is a key initiative of SpaceWERX, a specialized division within the U.S. Space Force dedicated to bridging the gap between groundbreaking commercial technologies and military needs. By leveraging this funding, Portal Space Systems will continue the development of its next-gen satellite bus, Supernova, thus furthering its mission to redefine space maneuverability and support national interests.
“This award not only provides vital financial support,” says CEO Jeff Thornburg, “But also underscores the strategic importance and interest from program offices in accelerating our development and advancing national capabilities.”
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.