Turion Space is a California-based aerospace company focused on advancing space sustainability through the development and operation of DROID satellites. The company’s mission is to bridge national security capability gaps, improve space situational awareness, and realign incentives in satellite manufacturing. Turion Space addresses critical challenges in the orbital environment, including space debris mitigation, satellite servicing, and non-Earth imaging. Its DROID satellites are designed to perform in-orbit services such as debris removal, satellite inspection, and repair, as well as to provide high-resolution space domain awareness data to both government and commercial clients. Turion aims to expand the space economy by enabling safer, more sustainable, and more efficient satellite operations.
Leadership
Turion Space was founded by three co-founders, each bringing complementary expertise from aerospace engineering, business, and advanced technology:
Ryan Westerdahl – CEO & Co-Founder Ryan Westerdahl leads Turion Space as Chief Executive Officer. He has a background in engineering and entrepreneurship, and is responsible for the company’s overall vision, strategy, and execution. Ryan is recognized for his leadership in building advanced space technologies and guiding Turion through its growth, fundraising, and mission milestones.
Tyler James Pierce – President & Co-Founder Tyler Pierce serves as President and Co-Founder of Turion Space. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Washington and an Executive MBA from UC San Diego. Tyler’s experience spans engineering consulting for aerospace and defense, as well as hands-on roles in aerodynamics, heat transfer, and systems engineering. He is instrumental in shaping Turion’s technical direction and operational strategy.
Patryk Wiatr – CIO & Co-Founder Patryk Wiatr is the Chief Information Officer and Co-Founder. He oversees the company’s information systems, technical infrastructure, and innovation initiatives. Patryk’s expertise lies in integrating advanced technologies into Turion’s satellite systems and ensuring robust, secure operations as the company scales its space domain awareness and in-orbit servicing capabilities.
Together, these three co-founders have established Turion Space as a leader in sustainable space operations, leveraging their combined backgrounds from top aerospace organizations and startup accelerators to address the most pressing challenges in the orbital environment.
Core Technologies
DROID Satellites Turion’s DROID satellites are autonomous spacecraft equipped with advanced sensors for space situational awareness, non-Earth imaging, and in-orbit servicing. These satellites can deorbit defunct satellites, perform inspections, and conduct repairs, directly addressing the growing issue of space debris.
STARFIRE OS The STARFIRE operating system provides access to the capabilities of Turion’s satellite fleet, enabling customers to leverage real-time data and tasking for imaging, inspection, and logistics services.
Autonomous Docking and Maneuvering Turion is developing advanced systems for autonomous docking, in-orbit maneuvering, and debris capture, including grapplers for future micro-Droid satellites. These technologies are essential for safe and efficient debris removal and satellite servicing.
Non-Earth Imaging and Space Domain Awareness Turion’s satellites deliver high-resolution imaging and situational awareness data, supporting both national security and commercial applications. The data is integrated into platforms such as the U.S. Space Force’s Unified Data Library.
Key Capabilities
Space debris removal and mitigation
In-orbit satellite servicing, inspection, and repair
High-resolution non-Earth imaging for situational awareness
Autonomous spacecraft operations and close-proximity maneuvers
Integration with national security data platforms
Scalable satellite manufacturing, targeting up to 45 satellites per year by 2027
Investors
Turion Space is a privately held company that has raised nearly $20 million in venture capital to date. Key investors include:
Veteran Ventures Capital (VVC): Strategic investor focused on dual-use national security technology businesses.
Washington Harbour Partners: Private equity firm investing in space situational awareness and debris management technologies.
Y Combinator: Leading startup accelerator.
Forward Deployed VC: Venture capital firm participating in recent funding rounds.
Critical Software: Partner and investor specializing in civil and defense space applications.
The company has also secured significant non-dilutive funding, including a $15 million STRATFI contract and a $1.9 million TACFI contract from the U.S. Space Force’s SpaceWERX innovation arm.
Notable Clients
U.S. Space Force: Turion’s Droid.001 satellite data is integrated into the Space Force’s Unified Data Library, and the company has multiple contracts for technology development and satellite deployment.
NASA: Co-funding for demonstration missions, particularly for micro-Droid satellites equipped for debris capture.
Commercial Satellite Operators: Turion provides non-Earth imaging and satellite servicing solutions to commercial clients, with over 100 imaging missions completed in 2024 alone.
Competitors
Company Name
Description
Astroscale
Specializes in on-orbit servicing and space debris removal across all orbital regimes.
Katalyst Space Technologies
Develops autonomous space systems for servicing and logistics in orbit.
Space Machines Company
Focuses on in-orbit servicing, logistics, and debris management.
Starfish Space
Builds spacecraft for satellite servicing and debris capture.
LMO
Provides autonomous space systems and software for satellite operations.
ODIN Space
Offers space safety platforms for collision risk assessment and debris tracking.
Origin.Space
Focuses on space resource mining and robotic servicing technologies.
Future Space Industries
Provides transport, logistics, and debris cleaning services for the space sector.
