Starfish Space Lands $37.5 Million Space Force Contract For On-Orbit Servicing Vehicle

Starfish Space, a rising star in the space industry, has secured a significant contract with the U.S. Space Force. The $37.5 million agreement, announced today, will see Starfish develop, launch, and operate their innovative Otter space vehicle for a first-of-its-kind on-orbit servicing mission.

This strategic partnership leverages the Space Systems Command's Assured Access to Space program office and utilizes the Department of Defense's Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program. STRATFI bridges the funding gap between technology development and real-world applications by combining government funds with private investment. In this case, the $37.5 million from the Space Force is coupled with an additional $30 million in venture capital funding secured by Starfish Space.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Space Force on this groundbreaking mission," said Tamara Nguyen, CEO of Starfish Space, in a press release. "This contract is a testament to the capabilities of the Otter vehicle and the potential of on-orbit servicing to revolutionize how we operate in space."

The Otter is designed to grapple with and maneuver operational satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO), a busy region where critical communication and navigation assets reside. Starfish's technology boasts the potential to extend the lifespan of existing satellites, perform repairs, and even upgrade them with new capabilities.

"The ability to service satellites on-orbit is a game-changer for national security," said Colonel William Chandler, program director at the Space Systems Command. "This partnership with Starfish Space allows us to demonstrate this critical technology and ensure the continued health of our vital space assets."

The on-orbit servicing mission is slated for launch by 2026. The specific details of the targeted satellite and the exact services to be performed remain classified. However, the success of this mission could pave the way for widespread adoption of on-orbit servicing technology, ushering in a new era of satellite maintenance and space sustainability.

This contract marks a significant milestone for both Starfish Space and the Space Force. Starfish is poised to become a leader in the on-orbit servicing industry, while the Space Force takes a crucial step towards ensuring the resilience and longevity of its critical space infrastructure. The coming years will be watched with keen interest as Starfish and the Space Force collaborate to bring this pioneering mission to fruition.