Portal Space Systems Unveils Supernova, a Breakthrough in Orbital Mobility
The new spacecraft, powered by solar-thermal propulsion, promises rapid orbital transfers and enhanced maneuverability.
- Portal Space Systems, led by former SpaceX executive Jeff Thornburg, introduces the Supernova satellite bus, designed for high mobility in space.
- Supernova utilizes solar-thermal propulsion to achieve a delta-v of 6,000 m/s, enabling quick transitions between various Earth orbits and beyond.
- The spacecraft is designed to be payload agnostic and aims to support commercial and military operations with its rapid response capabilities.
- Portal has secured over $3 million in funding from the US Space Force and plans its first launch by late 2025 or early 2026.
- The company's technology could revolutionize satellite mobility, offering a significant improvement over traditional propulsion methods.