Starfish Space, a company based in Tukwila, Washington, has recently secured nearly $21 million in funding for its Otter spacecraft missions. Founded in 2019 by Trevor Bennett and Austin Link, who are veterans of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture, Starfish has previously raised $7 million in 2021 and $14 million in 2023. The company’s Otter spacecraft is designed for a variety of missions, including inspecting dead satellites and extending the life of operational satellites.
Since completing the $14 million investment round, Starfish has made significant progress in developing its Otter spacecraft. A prototype, known as Otter Pup, has been sent into low Earth orbit and tested under challenging conditions. The company has also secured a $37.5 million deal with the U.S. Space Force for a mission that will involve docking and maneuvering national security assets in geostationary Earth orbit. Additionally, Starfish has signed a contract with Intelsat to provide on-orbit life extension services to a geostationary satellite starting in 2026.
One of Starfish’s recent achievements is being selected by NASA for a $15 million mission to visit and inspect multiple U.S.-owned defunct satellites in orbit, which is set to begin in 2027. This mission will further demonstrate the capabilities of the Otter spacecraft in servicing and extending the life of satellites in space. The company’s success in securing contracts with government agencies and commercial partners highlights its growing reputation in the space industry and the potential for future growth and expansion.
Despite the recent funding and success in securing new missions, Starfish has been relatively secretive about the details of its investors and funding round. When contacted by GeekWire for more information on the funding round, the company declined to provide further details. The lack of transparency regarding investors and funding sources may indicate a desire to maintain confidentiality or strategic positioning in the competitive space industry.
With its cutting-edge technology and partnerships with government agencies and commercial partners, Starfish Space is positioning itself as a key player in the growing space industry. The company’s innovative approach to satellite servicing and life extension missions has garnered significant interest and investment, paving the way for further advancements in space technology. As the space industry continues to evolve and expand, Starfish Space is well-positioned to lead the way in providing essential services for satellites in orbit.
Overall, Starfish Space’s recent funding round and new mission agreements mark a significant milestone for the company as it continues to develop and deploy its Otter spacecraft for a range of missions in space. With a team of experienced space industry veterans and a track record of successful missions, Starfish is poised for further growth and success in the competitive space industry. The company’s focus on satellite servicing and life extension missions demonstrates its commitment to advancing space technology and improving the sustainability and longevity of satellites in orbit.
