NASA Awards $15M Contract to Starfish Space for Groundbreaking Satellite Inspection Mission

Starfish Space Secures $15 Million NASA Contract for Satellite Inspection

In a significant development for space sustainability and satellite servicing, Tukwila-based Starfish Space has been awarded a $15 million contract from NASA. This three-year deal is set to enhance the management of orbital debris and expand satellite life-extension missions. The contract is a milestone in space innovation, emphasizing NASA's commitment to maintaining a safe orbital environment and advancing commercial space capabilities.

What Happened?

NASA has awarded a $15 million contract to Starfish Space, a promising startup based in Tukwila, Washington, founded by former Blue Origin employees Trevor Bennett and Austin Link. The three-year contract focuses on Starfish's upcoming mission, SSPICY (Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability), designed to inspect multiple defunct U.S.-owned satellites. The mission will use Starfish’s cutting-edge Otter spacecraft to gather data on critical aspects of non-functional satellites in orbit, such as their spin rate, axis, and surface material conditions.

Scheduled to launch in 2027, the mission will provide close-up inspections of these satellites, coming within hundreds of meters, although no docking is planned. This effort aligns with NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy, which aims to tackle the growing challenge of space debris and ensure long-term space safety. Starfish Space’s involvement marks the first commercial orbital debris inspection mission funded by NASA, signifying the importance of public-private collaborations in this field.

Key Takeaways

• Mission Objective: The SSPICY mission will focus on close-up satellite inspections without docking, collecting critical data to inform future satellite repair or deorbit missions.
• Otter Spacecraft: The mission will utilize the Otter spacecraft, equipped with advanced electric propulsion and the innovative Cephalopod guidance software for precision maneuvering.
• Commercial and Government Collaboration: NASA's partnership with Starfish Space demonstrates the growing role of startups in enhancing space sustainability and mitigating orbital debris risks.
• Launch Timeline: The mission is scheduled for 2027, with a focus on defunct U.S. satellites in low Earth orbit.

Deep Analysis

This NASA contract positions Starfish Space as a significant player in the rapidly evolving field of satellite inspection, servicing, and orbital debris mitigation. With an increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit, the issue of space debris has become more pressing. Unchecked, space debris threatens operational satellites, human spaceflight, and future space missions. NASA’s decision to collaborate with Starfish Space highlights the agency’s proactive approach to addressing this problem.

Starfish Space has already shown its potential in this area. In June 2023, the company launched its Otter Pup demonstration mission, which, despite challenges, successfully showcased orbital maneuvering capabilities. Building on this experience, the SSPICY mission represents a more advanced step in satellite inspection, with the Otter spacecraft designed not only to inspect but also potentially dock with satellites in future missions.

The Otter spacecraft is roughly the size of an oven, but its small size belies its advanced technology. It features electric propulsion systems, Cetacean navigation, and Cephalopod guidance software, allowing it to maneuver with high precision. In addition, the spacecraft includes the Nautilus docking system, which will enable future docking missions that could repair or extend the life of aging satellites. NASA’s investment in this mission indicates its belief in the long-term potential of Starfish Space’s technology to provide solutions for satellite servicing, refueling, and even removal of space debris.

This contract also complements other major deals that Starfish Space has secured, including a $37.5 million contract with the U.S. Space Force for satellite docking missions and a contract with Intelsat for on-orbit life extension services, set to begin in 2026. These agreements underscore the growing recognition of Starfish Space’s expertise in the satellite servicing domain, making it a pivotal player in the future of space sustainability.

Did You Know?

• First-of-its-Kind Mission: The SSPICY mission is NASA’s first commercial mission aimed specifically at satellite inspection without docking. This is a critical move toward sustainable space operations and reducing risks associated with space debris.

• Orbital Debris Hazard: There are over 27,000 pieces of space debris currently tracked by the Department of Defense. These debris pieces, if left unaddressed, could cause catastrophic damage to operational satellites, making missions like SSPICY crucial for the future of space exploration.

• Starfish Space's Unique Name: Starfish Space’s name is inspired by sea creatures, reflecting the company’s innovative technologies named after marine life. For instance, the Otter spacecraft’s navigation and guidance systems are called Cetacean (for whales) and Cephalopod (for squid), showcasing the startup’s creative approach to space exploration.

In conclusion, Starfish Space's collaboration with NASA marks a crucial step toward a safer and more sustainable future in space. By addressing the issue of space debris and extending satellite lifespans, this mission paves the way for further advancements in space technology, setting a precedent for future commercial partnerships aimed at maintaining the safety of the final frontier.