The U.S. Space Force has entered into a partnership with Starfish Space to conduct a groundbreaking docking mission in geostationary Earth orbit. Recently awarded a $37.5 million contract, Starfish Space will demonstrate its Otter satellite docking spacecraft in a first-of-its-kind mission. The goal of this project is to enhance the maneuverability of national security assets in space. Working in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Systems Command, Space Safari, and the SSC Commercial Space Office, the Assured Access to Space program aims to improve the responsiveness, resilience, and strategic flexibility of America’s space assets.
The Otter spacecraft, which is capable of docking with other satellites in space, will be used for a variety of purposes, including refueling and changing course in orbit. The Space Force hails this technology as augmented maneuver, with the potential for applications such as station-keeping, life extension, orbital transfer, and orbital disposal. By leveraging private capital investment, the STRATFI program has provided $37.5 million in funding for the Otter project, which will also utilize $30 million from venture capital investment. The demonstration mission will involve sending an Otter spacecraft to GEO to interact with and maneuver national security assets.
Starfish Space will own and operate the Otter vehicle, offering on-orbit services commercially. The launch of the Otter spacecraft could occur as early as 2026, followed by two years of operation under the STRATFI contract. Co-founder Trevor Bennett expressed excitement about collaborating with the Space Force to develop the necessary capabilities for dynamic space operations. Founded in 2019 by Bennett and Austin Link, both former employees of Blue Origin, Starfish Space has received several awards from the Space Force and NASA to support the development of its docking system. In a Series A funding round conducted last year, the startup raised $14 million to further its mission of advancing space technology.
Overall, the partnership between the U.S. Space Force and Starfish Space represents a significant step in advancing space technology and maneuverability of national security assets in orbit. Through the demonstration of the Otter satellite docking spacecraft, the Space Force aims to enhance the responsiveness, resilience, and flexibility of America’s space assets. Leveraging private capital investment through the STRATFI program, Starfish Space has secured funding to conduct a groundbreaking mission in geostationary Earth orbit. With plans for launching the Otter spacecraft by 2026, Starfish Space is poised to deliver a real on-orbit capability that will benefit both commercial and national security interests in space.
The Otter project is expected to open up a range of possibilities for space applications, including refueling, station-keeping, life extension, orbital transfer, and orbital disposal. The Space Force sees the Otter spacecraft as a crucial tool for augmenting maneuverability in space, ultimately contributing to responsible norms and strategic positioning in orbit. As Starfish Space looks forward to commercializing its on-orbit services, the collaboration with the Space Force represents a unique opportunity to showcase its capabilities and contribute to the future of space operations. With its team of experienced industry professionals, including alumni of Blue Origin, Starfish Space is well-positioned to take on this groundbreaking mission and usher in a new era of space technology.
