PARIS, FRANCE — June 17, 2025 - During a press briefing at the Paris Air Show today, Portal Space Systems announced a major expansion of its operational footprint with the opening of a new 50,000 sq. ft. spacecraft manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington. This second Bothell site, located just three miles from the company’s existing design and testing hub, is designed to support the rapid scale-up of Portal’s revolutionary multi-role spacecraft platform, Supernova.
“With growing demand from both our commercial and defense partners, this new facility marks the next strategic step in Portal’s evolution,” said Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems. “By expanding our footprint in Bothell, we’re doubling down on local talent, proximity to core operations, and a growing aerospace ecosystem supported by state leadership.”
Planned to be operational by late 2026, the facility will house critical capabilities including manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing (AI&T), research and development, and advanced engineering. The expansion aligns with Portal’s mission to build and deliver multiple spacecraft per year and bring hyper-flexible, trans-orbital maneuverability solutions to market at unprecedented speed. Portal is ramping up to meet customer demand and produce one Supernova per month by 2027.
“Portal Space Systems represents the kind of bold, future-facing innovation we’re proud to see growing in Washington,” said Washington State Department of Commerce Director, Joe Nguyen. “Their approach to in-space maneuverability not only advances the frontier of space technology but it also strengthens the state’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.”
The new facility is expected to add over 100 new jobs to the region over the next 2–3 years, with roles spanning engineering, supply chain, logistics, and business operations. All positions are anticipated to be filled from the local talent ecosystem, reinforcing Portal’s commitment to the Pacific Northwest.
While the company has run lean by design, this milestone reflects a planned shift toward scaled production to meet market demand signals. “This was always the plan,” Thornburg added. “Align with the customer. Prove the capability. Scale strategically.”
This announcement follows Portal’s recent milestones, including the announcement of its inaugural demonstration mission aboard Momentus’ Vigoride in early 2026 and the closing of its oversubscribed $17.5 million seed round to accelerate spacecraft production and development.
Portal Space Systems develops advanced spacecraft that redefine what’s possible in space mobility. Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, the company’s flagship spacecraft, Supernova, enables high delta-v maneuverability, multi-orbit operations, and refuelability - unlocking missions previously out of reach. Designed for both commercial and defense applications, Supernova extends operational lifespans, enhances mission flexibility, and ensures sustained presence in space. Backed by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and Space Force, Portal is expanding its team and partnering with industry leaders to drive the next generation of in-space mobility.