First In leads $30M Series A for Fortastra's orbital defense spacecraft

Fortastra, a Los Angeles-based developer of maneuverable, resilient spacecraft for on-orbit security and national defense, has closed a $30 million Series A.

The round was led by First In, with participation from Upfront Ventures, Space Capital, Rsquared, Side Door Ventures, ATX Ventures, among others, as well as existing investors.

Fortastra's stated focus is spacecraft built for the orbital domain — systems the company describes as maneuverable and resilient, aimed at on-orbit security and national defense missions rather than commercial launch or satellite services.

The new capital is earmarked for three things, according to the announcement: accelerating development and commissioning of Fortastra's on-orbit security platforms, expanding the company's engineering and operations team, and continuing development of its core autonomy and manufacturing capabilities.

The investor roster leans toward firms with space and deep-tech exposure. Space Capital, which participates in the round, focuses on the space economy, while Upfront Ventures is a long-standing Los Angeles venture firm, giving the company a mix of sector-specialist and local institutional backing. First In led the round.

The Series A arrives as orbital security and defense-adjacent space work draws increasing attention from both private investors and government buyers, though Fortastra did not disclose contract wins, valuation, revenue, or headcount in the announcement.

Fortastra did not name a valuation for the round or specify how the proceeds would be allocated across the three stated priorities.