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Veteran Ventures Capital invests in Turion Space to drive advanced space technology

Written by  Thursday, 05 December 2024 04:53
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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 f
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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."

Related Links
Veteran Ventures Capital
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