Turion Space
Turion Space, based in Irvine, CA, specializes in developing satellite technology and services aimed at enhancing space domain awareness and reducing orbital debris. The company plans to expand into asteroid mining and is known for its innovative DROID satellites.
Company Overview of Turion Space
Turion Space, formerly known as Turion Space Corp, is based in Irvine, CA, USA. This company operates within the industrials sector, specifically in aviation and space. With a dedicated team of 15 members, Turion Space is focused on creating technology to enhance the sustainability of space operations. The company is developing capabilities to de-orbit low Earth orbit objects and push geostationary objects to the Graveyard Orbit, aiming to reduce space debris.
Turion Space Founders and Origins
The founding team of Turion Space comes from SpaceX. The company participated in the Y-Combinator accelerator program during the summer 2021 batch (S21). Through their journey, they have raised a $6.2 million seed round to support their technological advancements and future projects.
DROID Satellite Specifications and Capabilities
Turion Space's DROID satellites are designed with multi-modal domain awareness capabilities, including long-range burst imaging and continuous Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sensing. Each DROID.alpha satellite has a payload mass of 165 kg and a propulsion delta-v of 1673 m/s. These satellites are equipped with sensors to improve understanding of space and offer mobility services for life extension, removal, disposal, and retrieval of debris and orbital assets.
Future Technologies and Projects by Turion Space
Turion Space is advancing technology for affordable orbital debris removal and aims to sell space domain awareness imagery data. They have plans to launch their first DROID satellite in early 2023. The company is also looking ahead to the 2030s with aspirations to tap into resources from metallic asteroids rich with platinum group metals, focusing on asteroid mining for future sustainability in space.