Starfish Space, based in Tukwila, Wash., has raised $29 million to develop its first three Otter orbital servicing vehicles for missions involving the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and Intelsat. The investment round was led by Shield Capital, with participation from other major investors such as Point 72 Ventures, Booz Allen Ventures, and more. This funding will allow Starfish to launch the first Otters to orbit, changing the way satellites are operated in space. The Otter spacecraft is designed to rendezvous with satellites in orbit for inspection, servicing, or safe disposal, utilizing innovative technologies like Starfish’s Cetacean and Cephalopod navigation software.
Co-founders Austin Link and Trevor Bennett established Starfish in 2019 after working at Blue Origin, building a team of 70 employees and securing a total of $50 million in venture capital funding. Starfish’s Otter Pup prototype was launched last year for orbital testing, encountering challenges but ultimately proving successful. This prototype led to exciting opportunities and investments for the company. Starfish has a $37.5 million contract with the U.S. Space Force to conduct a mission involving docking with and moving national security assets in geostationary Earth orbit, showcasing their ability to execute complex missions in space.
Letitia ‘Tish’ Long, a senior adviser at Shield Capital, expressed excitement about Starfish’s capabilities and potential impact in the space industry. The company also signed a contract with Intelsat to provide on-orbit life extension services to a geostationary satellite starting in 2026. Additionally, a $15 million NASA mission will involve inspecting several defunct U.S.-owned satellites in orbit from 2027 onwards. These missions will highlight the capabilities of Starfish’s Otter spacecraft, supported by the recent funding round. Starfish has also won a study contract from the National Reconnaissance Office to explore additional applications for the Otter spacecraft.
Starfish’s approach to on-orbit satellite servicing represents a critical advancement in increasing the value of defense and commercial space activities. The company’s innovative technologies and successful track record with complex missions on orbit have garnered interest from investors and industry experts. The Otter spacecraft’s design and capabilities, such as the Nautilus orbital capture mechanism, showcase Starfish’s dedication to revolutionizing satellite operations in space. The company’s partnership with a range of investors and contracts with government and commercial entities position them as leaders in the rapidly evolving space industry.
The fresh infusion of capital will enable Starfish Space to move forward with the launch of its first Otter satellites, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Co-founder Austin Link expressed pride in the growing support from investors and the opportunities this funding will bring for Starfish. With a focus on complex, high-impact missions and advanced technologies, Starfish aims to set new standards for on-orbit satellite servicing and make a lasting impact in the space sector. The company’s partnerships with leading organizations in space exploration, such as the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and Intelsat, demonstrate their growing prominence and potential to reshape the future of satellite operations in orbit.
