Insider Brief
- Veteran Ventures Capital has announced a strategic investment in Turion Space, part of Turion’s oversubscribed Series A funding round.
- This funding will enable the company to expand its satellite fleet, including the launch of the Droid.002 satellite in early 2025, with plans to scale production to 45 satellites annually by 2027.
- The new satellite will offer enhanced imaging capabilities and support the development of autonomous systems for satellite servicing and debris removal.
Veteran Ventures Capital (VVC) has announced a strategic investment in Turion Space, a growing leader in space domain awareness and non-Earth imaging technologies. The investment, part of Turion’s oversubscribed Series A funding round, underscores the venture capital firm’s commitment to supporting dual-use technologies in national security led by veteran entrepreneurs.
Turion Space is tackling two critical challenges in modern space operations: improving space situational awareness and enabling in-orbit servicing. The company’s Droid micro-satellites, including the operational Droid.001, feature advanced sensors to capture non-Earth images and track orbital debris. These capabilities are essential as satellite traffic increases and the need for safer, more efficient operations grows.
Since its launch in June 2023, the Droid.001 has performed over 100 imaging missions, serving both government and commercial customers. Its data has also been integrated into the U.S. Space Force’s Unified Data Library, strengthening its role in national security operations.
Turion has raised nearly $20 million in venture capital, leveraging the expertise of its veteran-led team, which includes former SpaceX engineers and other aerospace veterans. This funding will enable the company to expand its satellite fleet, including the launch of the Droid.002 satellite in early 2025. The new satellite will offer enhanced imaging capabilities and support the development of autonomous systems for satellite servicing and debris removal.
The company is also advancing innovative technologies through contracts with the U.S. Space Force’s SpaceWERX. A recent $15 million STRATFI program award and a $1.9 million TACFI contract will fund the development of systems capable of engaging uncooperative space objects. Turion is simultaneously working with NASA to co-fund the development of the micro-Droid, a satellite equipped with grapplers to capture debris, set for demonstration in 2026.
With plans to scale production to 45 satellites annually by 2027, Turion is positioning itself as a key player in the growing market for satellite servicing and non-Earth imaging. This market is projected to expand significantly as orbital environments become increasingly crowded.
“Turion Space is developing the ‘Google Earth’ for space observation and situational awareness,” said Derren Burrell, Managing Partner of Veteran Ventures Capital. “Their technologies represent high-impact solutions for both national security and commercial operators, aligning perfectly with our mission.”
Turion’s broader vision includes addressing orbital safety through debris removal and satellite servicing, critical for sustaining the growth of space-based industries. By combining advanced imaging capabilities with innovative in-orbit technologies, Turion is shaping a safer, more accessible future for space operations.
Co-founder and CEO Ryan Westerdahl emphasized the significance of the partnership with VVC, citing their expertise in new space technology and national security. “With their investment, we will further enhance our capabilities and address critical needs for government and commercial operators alike,” Westerdahl stated.
Image credit: Turion Space
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