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Portal Space Systems Unveils Supernova Propulsion for 2026

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Portal Space Systems, Bothell, Washington, tested Flare in a vacuum chamber. Funding includes $45 million from SpaceWERX and $17.5 million in private funding.
The system heats an ammonia-based propellant with concentrated sunlight to produce thrust.
Supernova can relocate payloads between orbital locations to counter rivals such as China and Russia.
First full-scale demonstration for Supernova is set for 2026.

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Story summary

Portal Space Systems, Bothell, Washington, tested Flare in a vacuum chamber. Funding includes $45 million from SpaceWERX and $17.5 million in private funding.
The system heats an ammonia-based propellant with concentrated sunlight to produce thrust.
Supernova can relocate payloads between orbital locations to counter rivals such as China and Russia.
First full-scale demonstration for Supernova is set for 2026.