Starfish Space, based in Tukwila, Wash., along with two other companies, has been awarded contracts by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to evaluate advanced technologies for space operations. The focus of Starfish’s work will be on the Otter spacecraft, designed to inspect and hook up with other satellites in orbit for servicing or safe disposal. The collaboration with the NRO offers an opportunity to enhance national space-based intelligence infrastructure. The contracts were awarded under the BALISTA program by the NRO’s Office of Space Launch to advance emerging technologies in launch, on-orbit support, and command and control.
In addition to Starfish Space, the other two companies awarded BALISTA contracts are Texas-based Cognitive Space, developing automated tools for managing satellite operations with the aid of artificial intelligence, and California-based Impulse Space, working on in-space transportation services for satellites. Impulse Space was founded by Tom Mueller, the first employee hired at SpaceX. The total value of the contracts was not disclosed. This initiative is aimed at advancing technologies across various aspects of space operations to meet the evolving needs of the NRO and the broader space community.
Starfish Space, founded in 2019 by Trevor Bennett and Austin Link, alumni of Blue Origin, tested a scaled-down prototype for Otter called Otter Pup during an orbital demonstration mission last year. Despite challenging circumstances, the mission went on for months and demonstrated the feasibility of the technology. The company has secured a $37.5 million deal with the U.S. Space Force for a groundbreaking mission involving the full-scale Otter docking and maneuvering national security assets in geostationary Earth orbit. This mission marks a significant milestone for Starfish Space and showcases the potential of the Otter spacecraft for servicing satellites in orbit.
Moreover, Starfish has signed contracts with Intelsat to provide on-orbit life extension services to a geostationary satellite starting in 2026. Additionally, the company has been tasked with a $15 million NASA mission to inspect multiple U.S.-owned defunct satellites in orbit beginning in 2027. These partnerships and agreements highlight the growing significance of Starfish in the space industry and underscore the demand for innovative solutions in satellite servicing and space operations. By leveraging the capabilities of the Otter spacecraft, Starfish is poised to play a key role in advancing technology for satellite maintenance and infrastructure enhancement.
The collaboration with the NRO and other industry partners represents a significant milestone for Starfish Space and underscores the company’s commitment to advancing space technologies for various applications. The Otter spacecraft, with its unique capabilities for satellite servicing and inspection, has garnered attention for its potential to transform space operations. With a team of experienced professionals and industry veterans, Starfish is well-positioned to lead the way in developing innovative solutions for the evolving needs of the space community. The BALISTA contracts mark a step towards achieving a more agile and technologically advanced approach to space operations.
Overall, the contracts awarded to Starfish Space, Cognitive Space, and Impulse Space by the NRO under the BALISTA program underscore the growing importance of advanced technologies in space operations. The development of innovative solutions for satellite servicing, automated operations, and in-space transportation is crucial to meeting the evolving demands of the space industry. By collaborating with industry partners and government agencies, companies like Starfish Space are driving progress in space technology and paving the way for a new era of space exploration and satellite operations. With a focus on enhancing national space-based intelligence infrastructure, these contracts represent a significant opportunity for Starfish and its partners to contribute to the advancement of space technologies.
