"Portal Space Systems is developing a technology called solar thermal propulsion, which concentrates the heat of the sun to heat propellant and move spacecraft at high speed."
"The technology has been the subject of investigation in government research labs since the 1960s, but has yet to make it into orbit."
"Thornburg views solar thermal power as the next logical step in rocket technology, providing better performance in many cases according to NASA's studies."
Portal Space Systems, founded by Jeff Thornburg in 2021, is developing solar thermal propulsion technology for spacecraft. The company recently secured $50 million in Series A funding, valuing it at $250 million. Solar thermal propulsion concentrates sunlight to heat propellant, offering high-speed movement compared to traditional engines. This technology has been researched since the 1960s but has not yet been used in orbit. Thornburg aims to change this within two years, leveraging his experience from SpaceX and other aerospace projects.
Read at TechCrunch
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