Rendering of a Portal Starburst spacecraft in a debris removal mission with Paladin Space. Photo: Portal

Portal Space Systems and Paladin Space are teaming up to offer regular, commercial debris removal missions. 

The partners are pitching what’s called Debris Removal as a Service (DRAAS), a recurring commercial model designed to remove multiple debris objects during a single mission. It will use Portal’s maneuverable Starburst spacecraft will serve as the operational platform, and Paladin’s Triton payload to image, classify, and capture tumbling debris objects. 

The companies are targeting a 2027 deployment that will be focused on Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). The missions could eventually target other orbits and use Portal’s larger, Supernova spacecraft. 

In addition, commercial space station company Starlab Space plans to integrate the service into future station operations, signing a letter of intent with the partners. 

“This is about making debris removal operational, not experimental,” commented Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems. “Satellite data underpins communications, navigation, weather forecasting, and national security. Maintaining that infrastructure requires active debris management. For the first time, we can do that as a repeatable service.”