Portal Space Systems is developing the Supernova vehicle for moving rapidly between orbits and the Starburst maneuverable spacecraft bus. Credit: Portal Space Systems
WASHINGTON — Quindar, a Denver-based startup specializing in satellite ground systems, said it signed an agreement with Portal Space Systems to provide mission management services for upcoming missions involving maneuverable spacecraft.
The agreement covers multiple missions, including operations support for Portal’s planned launches of its Starburst and Supernova spacecraft, Quindar said.
Portal Space Systems, based in Washington state, is developing spacecraft designed for in-space mobility, or the ability to move satellites and payloads between orbits.
The company’s Starburst spacecraft is designed as a maneuverable satellite bus, while Supernova is being developed as an orbital transfer vehicle that uses solar thermal propulsion to move between orbital regimes. Portal plans to launch its first Starburst spacecraft later this year aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission. The first Supernova mission is scheduled for 2027.
