Portal Space raises $50 million for high-power rocket engine

Portal Space Systems has raised $50 million to develop a novel high-power rocket engine that could enable a new class of orbital vehicles. The company was founded by a former SpaceX engineer who helped build the company's most powerful rocket engine. The funding round was led by venture capital firms focused on aerospace and defense technology. Portal Space aims to build what it calls a "fighter jet for orbit" capable of rapid repositioning and responsive space operations. The company's engine technology could provide the U.S. military with new capabilities for responsive space access. Current military doctrine increasingly relies on space assets for communications, navigation, and intelligence gathering. Portal Space joins a growing number of startups developing next-generation propulsion systems for spacecraft. The company competes with established aerospace contractors and other venture-backed startups in the emerging responsive space market. The funding will support engine development and testing. The company has not announced a timeline for first flight.