Portal Space Systems and Paladin Space Launch First Commercially Structured Debris Removal Infrastructure; Starlab Joins as Early Partner

The partnership introduces a scalable service model designed to make orbital debris cleanup economically viable in low-Earth orbit. 

Seattle, WA — March 19, 2025 — Portal Space Systems and Paladin Space today announced a partnership to launch the first commercially structured debris removal service designed to operate at scale in low-Earth orbit, turning debris cleanup from a one-off demonstration into a repeatable commercial service. 

There are currently more than 36,000 tracked pieces of space debris in orbit, including defunct spacecraft, rocket bodies, and fragmentation debris. The European Space Agency estimates that more than one million additional debris objects are too small to be routinely tracked. NASA estimates debris avoidance maneuvers cost U.S. satellite operators roughly $58 million annually, with most baseline costs driven by small debris that is difficult to track and avoid. 

The larger risk is structural. A single collision can destroy a satellite and create thousands of new debris fragments, increasing the likelihood of further impacts. Even when collisions are avoided, satellites must burn fuel to move out of the way, shortening their lifespan and reducing the time they can provide communications, weather data, navigation, and national security services. 

Despite growing congestion, debris removal has remained economically impractical. Most past missions have focused on proving that capture is technically possible. Few have demonstrated how removal could become repeatable and financially viable. 

Portal and Paladin are introducing Debris Removal as a Service (DRAAS), a recurring commercial model that removes multiple debris objects during a single mission. Portal’s maneuverable, refuelable Starburst spacecraft will serve as the operational platform, while Paladin’s Triton payload will image, classify, and capture tumbling debris objects under one meter in size; a category that represents the majority of active collision-avoidance events in orbit. 

More than 95% of all tracked debris falls into the small-to-medium size class, making it the primary driver of collision-avoidance maneuvers for satellite operators. Triton is optimized for this segment of the debris population and is designed to capture between 20 and 50 objects per mission, depending on their size. Once filled, the capture unit can be safely disposed of while the spacecraft remains in orbit for continued servicing. 

“This is about making debris removal operational, not experimental,” said Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems. “Satellite data underpins communications, navigation, weather forecasting, and national security. Maintaining that infrastructure requires active debris management.” 

“For the first time, we can do that as a repeatable service,” he added. 

“Most collision avoidance activity is driven by small debris,” said Harrison Box, CEO of Paladin Space. “Triton is built to remove dozens of those objects in a single mission, which fundamentally changes the cost structure of debris remediation and provides the greatest benefit to satellite operators.” 

The model has already attracted early commercial interest from companies planning long-duration infrastructure in orbit. 

Starlab Space LLC has signed a Letter of Intent to integrate the service into future station operations. 

"Safety is the foundation of everything we're building at Starlab. We're engineering a station designed to last for decades, one that must meet the highest standards of integrity to protect our crew and the science that will live aboard. Capabilities that reduce collision risk and limit the need for frequent collision avoidance maneuvers directly serve that mission: improving crew safety, reducing operational complexity, lowering propellant usage, and supporting the extended mission lifetimes our customers and partners are counting on." – Brad Henderson, Chief Commercial Officer 

The companies are targeting a 2027 deployment focused on heavily trafficked low-Earth-orbit bands. Future missions may expand to additional orbital regimes using Portal’s larger Supernova spacecraft platform, enabling multi-orbit missions. 

NASA’s cost-benefit analysis has found that while the long-term benefits of debris remediation can be significant, the challenge has been developing a model that effectively 

distributes costs to drive action. The combination of multi-object capture and a high-maneuverability, refuelable spacecraft enables a repeatable commercial debris removal model — one designed to protect both commercial assets and government space capabilities as orbital traffic continues to grow. 

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About Portal Space Systems 

Portal Space Systems is a next-generation spacecraft company headquartered in Washington state. The company builds re-deployable, maneuverable spacecraft designed to support defense, civil, and commercial missions on operational timelines. Portal emerged from stealth in 2024, earned STRATFI support, raised one of the largest publicly announced seed rounds in the sector, and was named a Via Satellite “Top 10 Startup to Watch.” 

Press Contact 

Jen Scholten 

press@portalsystems.space 

www.portalsystems.space 

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About Paladin Space 

Paladin Space is an Australian-founded space technology company developing scalable, multi-capture space debris removal systems designed to enhance the safety, sustainability, and long-term viability of Earth’s orbits. The company is advancing reusable debris capture payloads and imaging algorithms that integrate with maneuverable spacecraft to enable cost-effective, operationally viable debris removal missions. Paladin has secured multiple government grants and expanded internationally into the UK through ESA BIC to deliver debris removal capability for defence, civil, and commercial customers. 

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