Washington-based startup, Starfish Space, has raised $29 million in a funding round led by Shield Capital to accelerate its mission of extending the lifespan of satellites and cleaning up orbital debris.
A New Era of Satellite Servicing
Starfish Space is pioneering a new era of satellite servicing with its innovative Otter spacecraft. Designed to perform a range of critical tasks, including:
- Satellite Life Extension: Extending the operational life of valuable satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO).
- Orbital Debris Removal: Safely disposing of defunct satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
By offering these essential services, Starfish aims to maximize the value of satellite assets and mitigate the growing problem of space junk.
The Otter Spacecraft
The Otter spacecraft is a small, agile satellite designed to perform a variety of satellite servicing tasks. It is equipped with a robotic arm that can be used to capture and move other satellites, as well as a variety of sensors and cameras that can be used to inspect and repair satellites.
The Otter spacecraft is also designed to be autonomous, meaning that it can perform its tasks without the need for human intervention. This is a critical feature, as it allows the Otter to perform tasks in remote and dangerous locations.
A Strategic Partnership with Shield Capital
The $29 million funding round, led by Shield Capital, a prominent defense technology investor, is a significant milestone for Starfish Space. This strategic partnership will provide the company with the necessary resources to:
Scale Operations: Expand its team and accelerate the development of its technology.
Launch Ambitious Missions: Execute three full-size satellite servicing and inspection spacecraft missions in 2026.
Forge Strong Government Ties: Leverage Shield Capital's expertise to navigate the complex government procurement landscape.
A Proven Track Record
Starfish Space has already made significant strides in the industry, including:
- Successful Demonstration Mission: The launch of the Otter Pup, a sub-scale spacecraft, showcased the company's technological capabilities.
- High-Profile Contracts: Securing contracts with the U.S. Space Force and major satellite communications companies like Intelsat.
- NASA Mission: A $15 million contract to inspect multiple defunct satellites in LEO.
A Vision for the Future
Starfish Space's long-term vision extends beyond satellite servicing and debris removal. The company aims to develop a suite of advanced technologies for complex robotic missions in space, ultimately enabling humanity to explore the universe more deeply.
By investing in innovation and fostering strategic partnerships, Starfish Space is poised to become a leading player in the space industry, shaping the future of satellite operations and space exploration.
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