Starfish Space's Otter spacecraft set for first launch on SpaceX rideshare
Starfish Space's full-size Otter spacecraft is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 1 on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission. The 660-pound vehicle will demonstrate inspection of decommissioned satellites for NASA's SSPICY mission. The company plans to use insights for future satellite servicing and disposal missions.
The Otter spacecraft, weighing 660 pounds and roughly the size of a kitchen oven with solar arrays, will ride on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare from Vandenberg. Starfish Space previously tested two smaller Otter Pup prototypes, including a 2023 launch that encountered technical difficulties. The SSPICY mission, funded at $15 million by NASA, targets decommissioned satellites ranging from hundreds of kilograms to multiple tons, many unseen for years. Inspection data will be shared with NASA to assess how those spacecraft aged in orbit. The mission could last a couple of years, with potential extensions for additional docking or inspections beyond the initial client list.
This mission could demonstrate a commercial model for satellite inspection and servicing, potentially lowering costs for extending the life of valuable orbital assets or safely disposing of defunct ones. If successful, it may encourage broader reliance on private servicing firms by government and commercial operators, reducing space debris risks. However, the technology’s maturity remains unproven, and its impact on the growing orbital economy will depend on reliable performance and regulatory acceptance.