Otter by Starfish Space: status and timeline

Milestones

Next · Three operational Otter missions execute (NASA, Space Force, Intelsat)

Otter Pup 1 demonstration mission launchedJun 2023Complete.
Series A funding completedMar 2023Complete.
NASA SSPICY contract awardedAug 2024Complete.
Otter Pup 2 demonstration mission launchedJun 2025Complete.
Three operational Otter missions execute (NASA, Space Force, Intelsat)Target 2026Current milestone.
Series B funding completedApr 2026Complete.
Commercial debris removal and satellite servicing operations scaleTarget 2027Not yet reached.

Most important updates

Upcoming

2026Three operational Otter missions execute (NASA, Space Force, Intelsat) (next)
2027Commercial debris removal and satellite servicing operations scale
2027NASA SSPICY satellite inspection mission begins

Current obstacles

Regulatory approval for autonomous servicingOperating autonomous spacecraft near other satellites requires regulatory clearance and coordination.
Propellant handling in spaceTransferring large amounts of fuel between spacecraft in orbit remains technically challenging.

Physics limits

Orbital mechanics limit approach speedSafe docking requires very low relative velocities; braking maneuvers consume fuel and time.
Communication delaysAutonomous systems must handle docking without real-time ground control, since Earth-to-orbit signal latency can exceed 1 second.
Target satellite design variabilityEach satellite presents a different geometry and surface condition, requiring robust computer vision and mechanical adaptation.

How it works

3 parts

Navigation

Computer vision guidance

CETACEAN uses optical images to calculate Otter's position and velocity relative to the target satellite, enabling precise approach.

Control

Autonomous trajectory planning

CEPHALOPOD software plans safe orbital trajectories and handles autonomous docking without ground intervention.

Docking

Universal coupling system

Nautilus attaches to unprepared satellite surfaces; Manta boom provides fine-thrust maneuvering once docked for life extension or repositioning.

Spec sheet

Spec	Otter
Relative cost	10x smaller and significantly cheaper than alternatives^R (reported)
Propulsion type	Electric only^R (reported)
NASA SSPICY contract value	$15 million^R (reported)
Space Force deorbiting contract	$52.5 million^R (reported)
Series B funding (April 2026)	$110 million^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Papers & demos

2 items

Jun 2025demo
Otter Pup 2 mission launched (opens en.wikipedia.org)Second demonstration of rendezvous and docking with another spacecraft in LEO; first commercial satellite docking by a private company.
Jun 2023demo
Otter Pup 1 mission launched (opens en.wikipedia.org)First demonstration of Otter autonomous servicing capabilities in low Earth orbit.

Update log

4 updates

About Starfish Space

The team behind Otter

Starfish Space

Otter satellite servicing, orbital refueling

Starfish Space develops Otter, an autonomous spacecraft for satellite servicing. The company performs rendezvous, docking, and servicing to extend satellite lifespans and conduct debris removal. Contracts with NASA, U.S. Space Force, and Intelsat.

Series B raised $110M in April 2026; total capital over $150M.
NASA ($15M SSPICY), Space Force ($37.5M + $52.5M deorbiting contracts) secured.
Otter 10x smaller, cheaper than alternatives; electric propulsion for docking.

starfishspace.com (opens starfishspace.com)Company profile →

Founded: 20197 yrs
Headquarters: United States
Status: Private
Valuation: $300Mest. privateApr 2026estimate
Raised: $131M3 rounds
Last round: Series B · $110MApr 2026
Works in: SpaceflightIn-space mobility
Coverage: 1 program · 5 updateslatest 1 Apr 2026checked 10 Oct
Lead investors: Point72 VenturesMunich Re VenturesNFXMaC Venture Capital
Customers: NASA (opens nasa.gov)U.S. Space Force (opens spaceforce.mil)Intelsat (opens intelsat.com)
Investors: Point72 Ventures (opens point72.com)
People: Austin Link (opens en.wikipedia.org)Co-founderTrevor Bennett (opens en.wikipedia.org)Co-founder

Otter

Milestones

Most important updates

Upcoming

Current obstacles

Physics limits

How it works

Computer vision guidance

Autonomous trajectory planning

Universal coupling system

Spec sheet

Papers & demos

Update log

Jan 2026

Sep 2024

Jun 2024

May 2024

About Starfish Space

Current obstacles

Physics limits

How it works

Computer vision guidance

Autonomous trajectory planning

Universal coupling system

Spec sheet

Papers & demos

Update log

Jan 2026

Sep 2024

Jun 2024

May 2024

About Starfish Space