Seattle, WA - August 13, 2024 - Portal Space Systems, a Seattle-based space startup developing advanced satellite bus technology, is pleased to announce the hiring of Lieutenant General Thomas J. Sharpy, USAF (Ret), as Vice President of Customer Development, effective August 1, 2024.

Lieutenant General Thomas J. Sharpy brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to Portal Space Systems. With a distinguished 34-year career in the U.S. Air Force, General Sharpy culminated his service as the senior DoD executive at Allied Command Transformation, where he developed critical operational and strategic capabilities for 30 NATO nations. His leadership garnered Space recognition as an operational Domain, and his team crafted NATO’s initial Space Strategy. His leadership garnered Space recognition as an operational Domain, and his team crafted NATO’s initial Space Strategy.  His extensive experience includes commanding roles at Air Mobility Command, overseeing significant operations such as combat missions around the globe, hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico, and managing annual budgets exceeding $15 billion. One of his most interesting roles was serving as the Senior Military Aide to Vice President Cheney.  As a Command Pilot with over 4,000 flying hours, General Sharpy’s strategic and operational acumen will be a tremendous asset to Portal Space Systems.

“I have always been an advocate for the warfighter. I joined Portal Space Systems to collaborate with an exceptional team to deliver advanced capabilities that will help deter adversaries and, if necessary, defend and win,” said General Sharpy.

“Lieutenant General Sharpy’s exceptional background in strategic planning and multinational operations aligns perfectly with Portal Space Systems’ mission to redefine space maneuverability and support national interests,” said Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems. “His expertise will greatly enhance the company’s capabilities and drive forward its vision of innovation in space technology.”

This announcement follows Mark Bitterman's recent addition as Vice President of Government Affairs in June. Bitterman’s extensive government relations and strategic consulting background further underscores Portal Space Systems’ commitment to expanding its leadership team with top-tier talent. His previous roles at Stratolaunch LLC, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Orbital Sciences Corporation have laid a strong foundation for driving the company’s strategic initiatives.

“We are excited about the continued growth and strengthening of our leadership team,” added Thornburg. “The addition of General Sharpy and Mark Bitterman reflects Portal Space Systems’ dedication to bringing together industry-leading experts to advance our mission and enhance our space capabilities.”

Portal Space Systems, known for its innovative Supernova satellite bus system, emerged from stealth in May 2024. Expanding its leadership team marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and address critical needs in the space domain.

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About Portal Space Systems 

Portal Space Systems is a next-generation spacecraft company headquartered in Washington state. The company builds reconfigurable, maneuverable spacecraft designed to support defense 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.”