Starfish Space Otter

The first Otter launched October 1, 2026 for NASA's SSPICY mission, inspecting up to four dead satellites and rocket bodies from 2027.

Image: NASA.

Otter (SSPICY): Mission Status

Commissioning; NASA plans close inspections in early 2027. Dates per NASA; missions shift.

The Five W's of Starfish Otter

Who

Starfish Space, with NASA funding and managing SSPICY.

Source: NASA, SSPICY mission

What

Otter, a satellite servicing vehicle; first mission is an inspection demo.

Source: NASA, SSPICY mission

Source: Starfish Space (company release)

When

Launched October 1, 2026; inspections begin early 2027.

Source: NASA, SSPICY mission

Where

Low Earth orbit.

Source: NASA, SSPICY mission

Why

To prove the inspection, servicing and disposal technology that could reduce orbital debris.

Source: NASA, SSPICY mission

Impact Statement

Corporate solution · active (company figures labeled)

Starfish Space's first Otter launched on October 1, 2026 from Vandenberg on SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare to fly NASA's SSPICY mission. In early 2027 it will autonomously approach up to four inoperable U.S. objects in low Earth orbit, such as satellites and rocket bodies, to inspect them without touching. NASA says these technologies could one day enable repair, or pulling dead objects into the atmosphere for disposal. Starfish designs Otter for life extension and end-of-life disposal (company statement).

Source: NASA, SSPICY mission

Source: Starfish Space (company release)

For Further Information: NASA, SSPICY mission

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