WASHINGTON — Startup Turion Space has received a $32.6 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to launch three small satellites. These satellites are designed to monitor and track objects, including space debris.
This contract is part of a Strategic Financing Initiative (STRATFI) agreement via SpaceWERX, the Space Force’s technology innovation arm. STRATFI matches government funds with private investment to accelerate commercial space system development and deployment.
SpaceWERX initially announced the agreement with Turion Space in August, with the official contract awarded December 18. Based in Irvine, California, Turion Space specializes in satellites and software solutions for space situational awareness, debris removal, and other in-orbit services. The company previously secured Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from SpaceWERX and NASA.
Under the STRATFI agreement, Turion Space will develop three small satellites for launch in 2026 and 2027, according to CEO and co-founder Ryan Westerdahl. These satellites will operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO), carrying payloads for space surveillance and debris tracking.
Westerdahl stated the satellites will include commercial optical communication terminals for high-data-rate, real-time command and control. “Each vehicle will carry three space domain awareness payloads and a long-range imager for non-Earth imaging,” Westerdahl said. “Get your Apple Vision Pro ready for live debris capture feed,” he added.
Turion launched its first small satellite, Droid.001, in June 2023. Data from this spacecraft, designed for space situational awareness, is now integrated into the Space Force’s Unified Data Library. The new STRATFI contract allows Turion to expand its technology for more complex missions.
The Space Force contract emphasizes rendezvous and proximity operations, crucial for potential debris removal missions. These operations demand precise maneuvering near other space objects.