NewsAnnouncing a Strategic Investment in Turion Space, Expanding New Space Tech Portfolio

Announcing a Strategic Investment in Turion Space, Expanding New Space Tech Portfolio

December 2, 2024·3 min read
Announcing a Strategic Investment in Turion Space, Expanding New Space Tech Portfolio

Veteran Ventures Capital invested in Turion's recently closed and oversubscribed Series A funding round. Turion has raised nearly $20 million in venture capital to date. Its veteran-led team, growing to over 70 employees, including former engineers from SpaceX and other aerospace leaders, is leveraging decades of experience to tackle space's most pressing challenges.

Turion's technologies have gained significant traction across national security customers, including a recently awarded $15 million Strategic Financing Increase (STRATFI) program contract from the U.S. Space Force's SpaceWERX, U.S. Space Force's innovation arm, in addition to securing a $1.9 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program contract from SpaceWERX to develop systems capable of engaging uncooperative space objects. Their Droid.001 satellite, launched in June 2023, is a 32-kilogram spacecraft designed to improve space situational awareness, with its data now integrated into the U.S. Space Force's Unified Data Library. Turion is developing a range of satellites that will perform critical satellite services, including the micro-Droid, set for a demonstration in 2026, which will be equipped with grapplers to capture space debris. Co-funded by NASA, this spacecraft is an essential step toward Turion's vision of mitigating space debris and ensuring safe satellite operations for its customers.

"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."

With plans to produce 45 satellites annually by 2027, including the upcoming launch of their Droid Alpha satellite in early 2025, Turion is poised for rapid growth. Their enhanced mobility satellites offer advanced in-orbit capabilities for non-earth imaging, satellite servicing, and debris removal. These developments place Turion at the forefront of the emerging satellite non-earth imaging and servicing markets, projected to grow substantially in the coming years as space becomes increasingly crowded.

"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."

About Turion Space
Turion Space is a leader in non-earth imaging, space debris removal, and satellite servicing solutions. The company develops autonomous spacecraft designed to provide high-resolution space domain awareness capabilities, deorbit defunct satellites, perform in-orbit inspections, and repair essential assets. Based in Irvine, California, Turion Space is committed to making space safer and more sustainable through advanced technologies that support the future of space exploration and national security.