Washington-based Starfish Space has been awarded a three-year, $15 million contract from NASA for a mission that involves up-close inspections of defunct satellites in orbit. The mission, known as SSPICY, will be conducted using Starfish’s Otter spacecraft and is set to begin in 2027. This mission aims to pave the way for future missions involving the repair or removal of defunct satellites, which is crucial for managing orbital debris and ensuring space sustainability. Starfish, a startup founded by veterans of Blue Origin, sees this contract as an opportunity to advance in-space manufacturing and assembly capabilities in collaboration with NASA.
The Otter spacecraft, which is about the size of an oven, utilizes an electric propulsion system, navigation system, autonomous guidance software, and a docking system. During the SSPICY mission, Otter will approach and inspect multiple U.S.-owned defunct satellites that have been approved for inspection. By gathering data on spin rate, spin axis, and surface material conditions of these satellites, Otter will provide crucial information for assessing their physical state and potential servicing needs. While the spacecraft will come within hundreds of meters of the satellites, it will not dock with them during this mission.
According to NASA’s Bo Naasz, the SSPICY mission is designed to further commercial capabilities for servicing satellites in need of assistance or for disposing of satellites that are beyond repair. The in-space inspection will help characterize the condition of the satellites, gather data on potential causes of spacecraft failures, and enhance understanding of fragmentations and collisions in space. This knowledge is essential for promoting sustainable space operations and ensuring a safe operating environment.
Although this may be the first commercial space debris inspection mission funded by NASA, Starfish Space has previously secured contracts with the U.S. Space Force and Intelsat for other satellite servicing missions. In a separate contract with the Space Force, Starfish will conduct a docking mission using Otter to provide enhanced maneuverability for national space assets in orbit. Additionally, a contract with Intelsat will involve on-orbit life extension services for a geostationary satellite starting in 2026. These contracts demonstrate the growing demand for commercial satellite servicing solutions and the capabilities of Starfish’s technologies.
Starfish Space’s success in winning government contracts can be attributed to its experienced team, innovative technologies, and commitment to advancing space sustainability goals. The company’s founders, Trevor Bennett and Austin Link, both veterans of Blue Origin, have leveraged their expertise to develop cutting-edge spacecraft systems that enable missions like SSPICY. By collaborating with NASA and other industry partners, Starfish aims to lead the way in the emerging field of commercial satellite servicing and contribute to a new era of human activity in space.
The upcoming SSPICY mission represents a significant milestone for Starfish Space as it embarks on its first commercial debris inspection mission funded by NASA. Through this mission, Starfish will demonstrate the capabilities of its Otter spacecraft and advance the development of technologies for in-space servicing and debris mitigation. With a strong track record of successful demonstrations and government contracts, Starfish is well-positioned to establish itself as a leading provider of satellite servicing solutions and contribute to the sustainable future of space exploration.
