Portal Space Systems is significantly expanding its operations with the construction of a second factory near its Bothell, Washington headquarters. This move will facilitate increased production of its high-performance Supernova spacecraft, a vehicle designed for superior in-space maneuverability using solar thermal propulsion. The new facility, covering over 4,600 square meters, is slated to open in late 2026, enabling the production of one Supernova spacecraft per month starting in 2027.
“By expanding our footprint in Bothell, we’re doubling down on local talent, proximity to core operations, and a growing aerospace ecosystem supported by state leadership,” stated Jeff Thornburg, chief executive of Portal Space Systems. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to leveraging local expertise and fostering growth within the Washington state aerospace sector. Joe Nguyen, director of Washington’s Department of Commerce, praised Portal Space Systems, highlighting their contribution to the state's position as a leading hub for space technology.
The company recently secured a $17.5 million seed round to fund Supernova development and its initial demonstration mission. A partnership with Momentus for a test flight on their Vigoride 7 orbital transfer vehicle, launching in February 2026 via a SpaceX mission, has also been established. While the selection of Momentus might seem surprising due to their past delays, Portal explained their decision was based on a combination of factors, including timing, collaborative teamwork, and cost-effectiveness.
“We chose Momentus for this flight because the timing aligned with our development schedule, their team was collaborative and great to work with, and the cost made sense for an early hardware validation mission that gives us a clear path to de-risk critical systems in space and supports our broader Supernova launch objectives,” the company stated. Initial test flights will focus on validating key systems such as flight computers and avionics, before progressing to propulsion system tests.
Thornburg emphasized the critical nature of maneuverability in the evolving space environment. He highlighted growing threats from countries like China and Russia, asserting that, “We can no longer build spacecraft that can only fly at one altitude, because now our adversaries are building spacecraft that are much more capable. Maneuverability specifically is key to reasserting the free use of space for allied nations.” This expansion and focus on maneuverability positions Portal Space Systems as a key player in the future of space.