Turion Space secures $32.6 million military contract for in-orbit space surveillance
The U.S. Space Force contract is for three small satellites to demonstrate rendezvous and proximity operations and in-space surveillance of space debrisSandra Erwin
Illustration of debris tracking mission. Credit: Turion SpaceWASHINGTON — Startup Turion Space has been awarded a $32.6 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to launch three small satellites designed to monitor and track objects such as space debris.
The contract is part of a Strategic Financing Initiative (STRATFI) agreement from SpaceWERX — the Space Force’s technology innovation arm — that matches government funds with private investment to accelerate the development and deployment of commercial space systems.
SpaceWERX first announced the agreement with Turion Space in August, with the formal contract award on Dec. 18.
Based in Irvine, California, Turion Space specializes in satellites and software solutions for space situational awareness, debris removal, and other in-orbit services. The company won prior Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from SpaceWERX and NASA to advance its technology.
Under the STRATFI agreement, Turion Space will develop three small satellites scheduled for launch in 2026 and 2027, said the company’s CEO and co-founder Ryan Westerdahl. They will perform missions in both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO), carrying payloads for space surveillance and debris tracking.
He said the satellites will be equipped with commercial optical communication terminals for high-data-rate, real-time command and control capabilities. “Each vehicle will carry three space domain awareness payloads and a long-range imager for non-Earth imaging,” Westerdahl said. “Get your Apple Vision Pro ready for live debris capture feed,” he added, referencing Apple’s mixed-reality headset.
- Turion launched its first small satellite, Droid.001, in June 2023.
- The spacecraft was designed for space situational awareness and data it collected has been integrated into the Space Force’s Unified Data Library — a centralized repository of commercial and government data.
- new STRATFI contract enables Turion to scale its technology for more complex missions and operational scenarios.
Veteran Ventures Capital invests in Turion Space to drive advanced space technology
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 03, 2024
Veteran Ventures Capital (VVC), a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting dual-use national security technology led by veteran entrepreneurs, has announced a strategic investment in Turion Space. Turion Space specializes in addressing critical space challenges, including space domain awareness and non-earth imaging, through their innovative Droid micro-satellite technology.
Turion's flagship satellite, the Droid.001, has been operational since 2023, completing over 100 imaging missions for government and commercial clients in 2024 alone. These missions highlight the satellite's capability to provide high-quality data while maintaining cost efficiency. The company's upcoming satellite, Droid.002, is set to feature enhanced imaging systems and autonomous docking capabilities to address space debris management and in-orbit servicing needs.
The investment was part of Turion's oversubscribed Series A funding round, which has raised nearly $20 million to date. Turion's growing team of over 70, including veterans of SpaceX and other aerospace leaders, is leveraging extensive industry experience to innovate in space operations. This funding will support the expansion of their satellite fleet and the development of next-generation technologies.
Turion has secured key contracts with national security stakeholders, including a $15 million Strategic Financing Increase (STRATFI) program award and a $1.9 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract from the U.S. Space Force's SpaceWERX. These contracts will further the development of systems capable of engaging uncooperative space objects and contributing to space domain safety. Turion's technologies, such as the Droid.001 satellite, have already been integrated into the U.S. Space Force's Unified Data Library, showcasing their utility in national security applications.
Looking ahead, Turion plans to ramp up satellite production to 45 units annually by 2027, with the Droid Alpha satellite slated for launch in early 2025. The company's long-term vision includes deploying a micro-Droid equipped with grapplers for debris capture by 2026, supported by NASA funding. These initiatives underscore Turion's commitment to addressing the growing concerns of space debris and ensuring the safety of space operations.
"Turion Space is developing the google earth for space observation and situational awareness. The capabilities they are building for national security and commercial customers represent the kind of high-impact, dual-use technologies that aligns perfectly with VVC's mission," said Derren Burrell, Managing Partner of Veteran Ventures Capital. "Their work in advanced space domain awareness, through a specialization in non-earth imaging, addresses a growing concern for both national security and commercial operators. Their technologies have the potential to transform how we manage space safety, particularly with space becoming more of a contested warfighting domain, making this a critical addition to our portfolio."
Turion's innovative satellite technology places them at the forefront of the rapidly growing satellite servicing and imaging markets, addressing critical challenges as space becomes increasingly congested. Their focus on scalable, cost-effective solutions aligns with the needs of government and commercial space operators alike.
"We are excited to partner with Veteran Ventures Capital, precisely because their team and advisors have significant expertise in new space technology and the national security opportunities surrounding it," said Ryan Westerdahl, Co-founder and CEO of Turion Space. "With their investment, we will further enhance our capabilities and provide innovative solutions for non-earth imaging, space debris removal, and satellite servicing, addressing a critical need for both government and commercial operators."
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