Washington State Invests $350,000 in Portal Space Systems Through Strategic Reserve Fund to Accelerate Manufacturing in Bothell

BOTHELL, Wash., Dec. 10, 2025 — The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $350,000 from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF) to Portal Space Systems, a next-generation spacecraft company headquartered in Bothell, Washington. 

The Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund is a tool used to catalyze high-impact economic development projects across the state, particularly in sectors with strong innovation and workforce potential. 

“Portal Space Systems represents the kind of bold, future-facing innovation we’re proud to see growing in Washington,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn. “With the Governor's new investment, Portal is better equipped to scale up its cutting-edge operations. This strengthens Washington’s position as a hub for world-class talent and national space infrastructure. We’re excited to see and support their continued expansion here in Washington.” 

Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) requested the funds on behalf of Portal, which will be invested into Portal’s expansion into a new manufacturing facility and the creation of over 100 new high-skill jobs over the next two years. 

“Portal’s growth is proof-positive that Snohomish County is the epicenter of aerospace innovation,” says Ray Stephanson, EASC President & CEO. “Their expansion will bring top technical talent into an advanced manufacturing environment, sparking the kind of innovation momentum that drives industry breakthroughs and bolsters the local and regional economy.” 

Portal’s expansion into a 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility will significantly increase spacecraft production capacity and further cement Washington’s leadership in the emerging space technology market. This investment strengthens Bothell’s growing innovation corridor and brings high-impact advanced manufacturing jobs to Snohomish County. 

“We’ve spent the last year proving what’s possible. Now we’re scaling to deliver it,” says Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems. “This support from Washington isn’t just about growth. It’s about building a strategic capability for the nation and doing it right here in Bothell.” 

Portal builds spacecraft that enable critical movement in space, a growing requirement as the space domain becomes increasingly contested and congested. The company’s two platforms are designed to meet the needs of national security, commercial, and scientific missions: 

• Supernova, a long-range vehicle capable of maneuvering between orbits, including Earth to the Moon 
• Starburst, a smaller, responsive vehicle built to operate within a single orbit 

Both are part of a new category of spacecraft designed to service the growing in-space economy, from satellite inspection and repositioning to orbital logistics and payload delivery. 

“The expansion by Portal Space Systems is an exciting opportunity for our region and aligns well with our goals in Snohomish County, which include fostering innovation, building capacity for advanced industry 

and skilled workers, and supporting a resilient and thriving economy,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. 

2025: A Year of Acceleration 

This announcement caps off a defining year for Portal, one marked by delivery, expansion, recognition, and momentum: 

• April – Opened first spacecraft facility in Bothell and closed a $17.5M oversubscribed seed round 
• May – Announced inaugural 2026 demonstration mission aboard Momentus’ Vigoride 
• June – Signed for a second 50,000 sq. ft. facility to expand spacecraft production 
• August – Named one of Via Satellite’s “Top 10 Companies to Watch.” 
  • September – Completed the first successful space-environment test of a commercial Solar Thermal Propulsion System in their Bothell facility. 
  • Delivered the company’s first flight hardware for integration 
  • November – Unveiled Starburst, a compact maneuvering vehicle for responsive in-orbit missions 
  • Manifested a second free-flying mission for Q4 2026 on SpaceX’s Transporter 
  • Awarded $350,000 from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund 

With two spacecraft in development, missions on the manifest, and expanded facilities coming online, Portal is positioned to deliver on the growing demand for in-space mobility and continue building that capability in Washington.