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Portal Space Systems

Seattle-area startup building spacecraft that can change orbits quickly and often. Its main vehicle, Supernova, uses sunlight to heat propellant, and a smaller craft, Starburst, reached orbit in October 2026.

Products, by altitude

Earth to Moon · 35,786–384,400 km

  • In development

    Supernova

    Sun-heated spacecraft that can hop between orbits in hours

Low Earth orbit · 160–2,000 km

  • Testing

    Starburst

    Small spacecraft that moves quickly to new positions in orbit

Known rounds

DateRoundAmountLed by
Apr 2026Series A$50MGeodesic Capital, Mach33⁠1
Apr 2025Seed$17.5MAlleyCorp⁠2

Government awards

DateAgencyProgramAmount
Dec 2025Washington State Department of CommerceStrategic Reserve Fund grant for Bothell manufacturing expansion$350K⁠3
Aug 2024U.S. Air Force (via SpaceWERX)STRATFI strategic funding increase for Supernova (total value as announced; government vs. matching split not disclosed)$45M⁠4

Milestones

  • Oct 2026 Starburst-1, Portal's first free-flying spacecraft, launched on SpaceX Bandwagon-5 and reported stable and power-positive. Company statement⁠5
  • Mar 2026 Mini-Nova, a test of Portal's spacecraft systems, reached orbit on a Momentus Vigoride vehicle. Company statement⁠5

Sources

  1. Portal Space Systems press releaseApr 9, 2026
  2. Portal Space Systems press releaseApr 1, 2025
  3. Washington State Department of CommerceDec 10, 2025
  4. Portal Space Systems press releaseAug 27, 2024
  5. Portal Space Systems press releaseOct 21, 2026
  6. Portal Space Systems

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction