Starfish Space, based in Tukwila, Wash., has recently inked a deal with Intelsat to provide on-orbit life extension services to a geostationary satellite set to begin in 2026. This marks the commercial debut of Starfish’s Otter satellite servicing spacecraft, currently in development. The agreement follows the company’s $37.5 million contract with the U.S. Space Force for a satellite docking demonstration. Starfish co-founder Trevor Bennett expressed excitement about supporting Intelsat with Otter services, highlighting the potential for enhanced customer service. Meanwhile, Intelsat’s senior vice president of space systems, Jean-Luc Froeliger, sees this contract as a testament to their commitment to innovation and technological advances, providing opportunities to maximize their satellite fleet’s value for customers.
The specific financial terms of the Intelsat contract have not been disclosed, and Intelsat has not named the satellite that will undergo servicing. Otter’s proposed operations include docking with a retired Intelsat satellite in geostationary graveyard orbit before moving on to connect with an operational satellite. Otter’s onboard propulsion system will then be utilized to maintain the operational satellite in orbit, extending its lifespan for additional years. Notably, Starfish is not the only company partnering with Intelsat for satellite life extension services, with Northrop Grumman’s MEV-1 and MEV-2 spacecraft having already docked with Intelsat satellites in past missions to either move them into operational orbits or provide refueling.
The development of Otter’s technologies underwent testing during Starfish Space’s Otter Pup demonstration mission over the last year, which encountered challenges but validated the effectiveness of Starfish’s orbital maneuvering system for rendezvousing with other orbiting satellites. In addition to life extension services, Otter has the capability to refuel operational satellites or facilitate their controlled deorbiting when no longer needed. Starfish co-founders Bennett and Austin Link, who both have backgrounds with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space company, established the startup in 2019. The company has secured over $21 million in investments and technology contracts from NASA and the Space Force as of last year. The successful demonstration of Otter’s capabilities sets the stage for its upcoming commercial deployment with Intelsat.
The introduction of Otter into the satellite servicing market signals a new era for on-orbit maintenance and service operations. By providing reliable, cost-effective solutions for extending the lifespan of geostationary satellites, companies like Starfish Space are reshaping the industry landscape. The alignment between Starfish and Intelsat reflects a shared commitment to innovation and customer service, with a focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance satellite performance and functionality. This partnership represents a critical step forward in establishing on-orbit servicing as a standard practice within satellite operations, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements in the space industry.
The success of Starfish’s Otter Pup demonstration mission underscores the company’s technical capabilities and readiness for commercial deployment. Despite encountering obstacles, the mission highlighted the feasibility of employing Otter’s orbital maneuvering system for satellite rendezvous, refueling, and deorbiting operations. This demonstration serves as a proof of concept for Otter’s versatility and adaptability in addressing varied satellite servicing needs, including extending operational lifespans and maintaining orbital stability. By refining these technologies and processes, Starfish Space is positioning itself as a key player in the growing field of satellite servicing and maintenance, driving innovation and efficiency within the space industry.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Starfish Space and Intelsat marks a significant milestone in realizing the potential of satellite servicing technologies. With a focus on maximizing the value and performance of existing satellite assets, companies are leveraging advanced spacecraft to support on-orbit operations and extend satellite lifespans. As competition in the commercial space sector continues to intensify, partnerships like this one are crucial for driving progress and bringing new capabilities to the market. By combining expertise, resources, and technological innovation, companies like Starfish and Intelsat are poised to lead the way in revolutionizing on-orbit servicing and reshaping the future of space exploration and satellite operations.
