Starfish Space, a dynamic startup based in Tukwila, Washington, has just landed a $15 million contract from NASA for a transformative mission aimed at inspecting defunct satellites in orbit. This ambitious project, known as the SSPICY mission, is set to kick off in 2027 and could pave the way for future satellite repair and removal efforts.

What is the SSPICY Mission?

The SSPICY mission stands for Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability. It represents a crucial step in NASA’s ongoing commitment to addressing the growing issue of orbital debris. Starfish Space will utilize its Otter spacecraft to perform detailed inspections of decommissioned satellites.

Mission Goals:

• Up-Close Inspections: Otter will gather critical data about defunct satellites, such as their spin rate and surface conditions.
• Orbital Debris Mitigation: The project aligns with NASA’s broader Space Sustainability Strategy, focusing on cleaning up space and enhancing satellite servicing capabilities.

Starfish Space: A Visionary Startup

Founded by veterans of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, Starfish Space has quickly established itself as a leader in the field of satellite servicing and debris mitigation. The company is committed to developing technologies that can safely inspect, repair, and decommission satellites.

Founders’ Insight

Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space, expressed excitement about the partnership with NASA:
“We are thrilled to lead the first commercial debris inspection mission funded by NASA. This mission exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing in-space manufacturing and assembly capabilities.”

The Otter Spacecraft: A Technical Marvel

At the heart of the SSPICY mission is the Otter spacecraft. This innovative craft is designed to approach and inspect satellites, offering a range of advanced features.

Key Features of Otter:

• Compact Size: Roughly the size of an oven (excluding solar arrays), making it highly manoeuvrable in space.
• Electric Propulsion System: Enables efficient travel to target satellites.
• Autonomous Guidance: Utilizes a navigation system named Cetacean and an advanced guidance software platform called Cephalopod.
• Docking System: While Otter won’t dock during this mission, its Nautilus docking system is crucial for future missions.

The Importance of Orbital Inspections

Orbital debris poses a significant risk to active satellites and space missions. By conducting inspections of defunct satellites, the SSPICY mission aims to enhance our understanding of the challenges posed by debris.

Insights from NASA

Bo Naasz, senior technical lead for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, highlighted the mission’s goals:
“In-space inspection helps us characterise the physical state of a satellite and gather data that improves our understanding of fragmentation and collisions.”

Building on Previous Successes

This NASA contract isn’t Starfish’s first foray into satellite servicing. Earlier this year, the U.S. Space Force awarded the company a $37.5 million contract for a docking mission aimed at enhancing the manoeuvrability of national space assets. Additionally, a contract with Intelsat will allow Starfish to provide on-orbit life extension services starting in 2026.

Otter’s Orbital Testing

Starfish’s technology underwent its initial orbital test during the Otter Pup demonstration mission launched in June 2023. Despite challenges, the mission successfully demonstrated how Otter could rendezvous with other satellites, setting the stage for future operations.

Conclusion: A New Era for Space Sustainability

The SSPICY mission signifies a landmark moment for Starfish Space and NASA. As the first commercial space debris inspection mission funded by NASA, it heralds a new era in space sustainability.

Why This Matters

• Commercial Space Servicing: This mission not only supports NASA’s goals but also demonstrates the viability of commercial satellite servicing.
• Innovation in Space Technology: Starfish’s Otter spacecraft could lead to new capabilities in the realm of satellite repair and decommissioning.

As we look to the future, the advancements made through the SSPICY mission could reshape how we manage the increasingly crowded environment of space.