The U.S. Space Force has awarded a groundbreaking $52.5 million contract to Starfish Space, marking the first official agreement for the deorbiting of satellites from a constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO). This move signals a growing awareness of space sustainability and the practical need for end-of-life disposal services.
The Contract and Starfish Space’s Role
Under the agreement, Starfish Space will deploy its “Otter” spacecraft, designed to capture and deorbit satellites, beginning as early as 2027. The initial target is the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) network, a growing constellation of military satellites. The Otter is unique in its ability to service and deorbit satellites even if they were not originally designed for such operations.
“This contract and mission are proof that end-of-life satellite disposal provided by Otter can provide real value to LEO constellation operators,” stated Austin Link, co-founder of Starfish Space.
The company emphasizes that the Otter dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of satellite servicing, making deorbiting a viable option for more operators.
The Shift in Military Space Strategy
This contract reflects a larger shift in the U.S. military’s approach to space assets. Traditionally, the focus was on a small number of expensive, high-capability satellites with long development cycles. The PWSA constellation represents a move towards a greater number of cheaper, more resilient satellites.
More satellites mean greater redundancy: if an adversary attempts to disable part of the network, the remaining spacecraft can continue operations. However, a larger constellation also means more potential debris if satellites aren’t managed properly at the end of their lives.
The Debris Dilemma and Starfish Space’s Solution
The increasing number of satellites in LEO raises a critical question: how to balance operational lifespan with space sustainability? Constellation operators must decide whether to bring satellites down early to prevent debris or maximize their use to recoup investment.
Starfish Space positions the Otter as a solution that bridges this gap. The “Deorbit-as-a-Service” model allows operators to maximize satellite utility and rely on the Otter to ensure responsible disposal when the time comes. This is particularly important as the PWSA constellation expands.
Proven Technology and Future Missions
While the Otter has yet to complete its first deorbit mission, Starfish Space has already demonstrated key technologies in orbit. The Otter Pup 1 mission in 2023 successfully maneuvered within 1 kilometer of a target space tug, and subsequent tests involving Impulse Space’s Mira vehicles have further validated the company’s capabilities.
The first operational Otter missions are slated for launch this year, providing valuable experience before the debut disposal mission for the Space Force.
This contract is a milestone: it not only validates Starfish Space’s technology but also signals a growing commitment to responsible space operations by the U.S. military. It acknowledges that a sustainable approach to space infrastructure is no longer optional, but essential for long-term national security and the preservation of the orbital environment.
