Portal
Facts
- HQ
- Bothell, Washington, USA
- Sectors
- Aerospace, Spacecraft, Satellite Manufacturing
- Stage
- Startup
Portal Space Systems to Launch Starburst-1 in October; Developing 1,100‑lb Supernova with Solar Thermal Propulsion
Portal Space Systems is preparing to ship its first Starburst-1 satellite to Florida for an October launch on SpaceX’s Bandwagon-5 rideshare while advancing plans for a larger, 1,100-pound Supernova spacecraft that will use solar thermal propulsion for greater orbital maneuverability.
Zenno Astronautics' 3,500 A·m² Superconducting Supertorquer Cleared for Flight on Portal Space Systems' Starburst-1
Zenno Astronautics' superconducting Supertorquer, a propellant-free magnetic attitude control system producing up to 3,500 A·m², is integrated on Portal Space Systems' Starburst-1 and in final qualification ahead of flight. The Starburst-1 mission will demonstrate rendezvous, rapid retasking and orbital change over a year and validate subsystems for Portal's larger Supernova vehicle.
The Portal Raises $5M to Launch 15,000 Sq Ft Wellness Club in Austin This Fall as Second Location
The Portal raised $5 million to open its second 15,000-square-foot human flourishing wellness club in downtown Austin this fall, following its original Marin/San Francisco location launched in 2024. The members-only club offers extensive wellness amenities, exclusive events, and access to partner clubs globally, prioritizing heart-centered members via referrals.
Portal Space Systems and Paladin Space Launch Debris Removal Service to Tackle Orbital Junk Starting 2024
Portal Space Systems and Paladin Space are partnering to offer Debris Removal as a Service (DRAAS), using Portal’s maneuverable spacecraft and Paladin’s Triton payload to track and remove small-to-medium sized orbital debris. Starburst-1 is set to launch this year, with the larger Supernova platform debuting in 2027, aiming to reduce space junk threats for satellite operators.
Uncommon Thinkers 2025: Solar spacecraft, sci-fi biology, destroying PFAS, beyond AI chatbots, and better social media
On this special episode of the GeekWire Podcast, recorded backstage at the GeekWire Gala at the Showbox Sodo, we sit down with five of the inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs selected as the Seattle region's 2025 Uncommon Thinkers, in partnership with Greater Seattle Partners. Jeff Thornburg spent years building rocket engines for Elon Musk at SpaceX and Paul Allen at Stratolaunch. Now, as CEO of Portal Space Systems, he's moved past chemical rockets to revive a concept NASA studied decades ago but never pursued — a spacecraft powered by focused sunlight. He calls it a "steam engine for space." Read the…
Portal Space Systems to Launch Starburst Maneuverable Spacecraft in 2026 on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 Mission
Portal Space Systems is launching Starburst, a rapid-maneuverability spacecraft leveraging technologies from its Supernova platform, with a first mission planned for 2026 on SpaceX’s Transporter-18. Starburst aims to enhance satellite constellation operations for national security and commercial use.
Former Facebook and FanDuel Execs Launch Cypher, a Seattle AI Startup Connecting Buyers and Sellers of Cybersecurity Products
Seattle startup Cypher, led by former Facebook and FanDuel execs Vinay Narayan and Sachin Goyal, uses generative AI to help companies find suitable cybersecurity products by leveling the playing field between big and small buyers. The bootstrapped company generates revenue through premium buyer subscriptions and seller fees.
Sandbox VR's 'Squid Game Virtuals' Generates $4.5M in Two Months Amid Growing VR Arcade Expansion
Sandbox VR, a startup with over 45 locations worldwide, offers group VR experiences including the popular 'Squid Game Virtuals' based on the hit Netflix show, generating $4.5 million in two months. Despite the fun and advanced technology, virtual reality has yet to achieve mainstream adoption.
