Starfish Space, a startup based in Tukwila, Washington, faced challenges after a thruster failure during its satellite docking system test in orbit. However, the company successfully completed a last rendezvous between its Otter Pup satellite and D-Orbit’s ION SCV006 satellite. This success led to a $37.5 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for further development of its in-space rendezvous and docking technology. Despite the challenges faced, the mission was brought to a successful close, providing valuable data for Starfish Space’s future development aims.
Originally sent into orbit in June as a rideshare payload on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, Otter Pup was intended to demonstrate its Cetacean computer vision system and Cephalopod trajectory planning software. However, due to issues with the orbital tug’s rapid spin, the thruster failure ruled out the possibility of a docking mission. Regardless, Starfish engineers continued to find ways to conduct tests and collaborated with D-Orbit in a plan that involved the ION satellite playing a crucial role. This collaboration led to successful maneuvers in April, capturing valuable data for the company’s technology advancement.
The joint effort between Starfish Space and D-Orbit enabled Otter Pup to come within a kilometer of ION during a series of maneuvers. While there was no opportunity for docking, the mission provided invaluable data for further development of Starfish’s guidance, navigation, and control software. While Otter Pup’s orbit will naturally decay over time and self-dispose within a few years, Starfish Space is already actively working on a second Otter Pup mission. The company has plans for full-scale Otter spacecraft that could be used for various purposes in space, including satellite servicing, maneuvering, space debris disposal, and in-space refueling.
The $37.5 million Space Force contract will support the development of an Otter demonstration spacecraft over the next four years. The aim of the project is to improve maneuverability on-orbit and enable dynamic space operations, including docking and maneuvering Department of Defense assets. This contract was awarded through the Strategic Funding Increase program, highlighting the importance of furthering technology development in the space industry. Despite setbacks and challenges faced during the initial mission, Starfish Space has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to advancing its technology for future applications in space exploration and operations.
