Space Systems Command acquired a first Otter in 2024 under a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI).
The APFIT-funded contract supports delivery of an Otter spacecraft for dynamic space operations in geosynchronous orbit.
The Otter leverages autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking technology to service satellites that were not originally designed for servicing.
The Otter is designed to autonomously dock with and maneuver national security satellites.
Redwire won a $44 million Phase 2 contract from DARPA for the Otter mission using Redwire’s SabreSat platform in very low Earth orbit.
The Otter program was originally awarded in late 2025 and is entering a final manufacturing phase to demonstrate the world’s first air-breathing spacecraft.
Redwire Corporation is advancing its SabreSat platform under a $44 million Phase 2 contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the Otter Very Low Earth Orbit mission.
The Otter spacecraft will capture trace atmospheric molecules to feed an electric thruster to overcome drag that traditionally limits the lifespan of low-altitude satellites.
The Otter mission will operate in very low Earth orbit at altitudes below 300 km.
Tiffany Le is Satellite Production Lead at Starfish Space responsible for vendor identification, selection, and management for Otter components.
Quindar will support operations for Starfish Space’s first three Otter missions.
Starfish Space is developing the Otter satellite servicing vehicle.
Starfish Space will build, launch, and operate an Otter spacecraft in low Earth orbit to dispose of Space Development Agency satellites at the end of their operational lives.
The Starfish Space Otter mission will begin with an initial deorbit and includes options for multiple additional deorbits enabled by Otter’s capacity to service several satellites in a single mission.
Otter is designed to capture and deorbit satellites without requiring any prior modifications, allowing Starfish Space to service existing and future spacecraft deployed or planned within the PWSA constellation.
Under the contract, Starfish Space will build, launch, and operate an Otter spacecraft in low Earth orbit to dispose of SDA satellites at the end of their operational lives.
The mission will begin with an initial deorbit and includes options for multiple additional deorbits enabled by Otter’s capacity to service several satellites in a single mission.
Starfish Space will use its Otter spacecraft to deorbit operational satellites from the PWSA and plans to launch it in 2027.
Starfish Space will build an Otter spacecraft targeted for launch in 2027.
Starfish Space’s Otter spacecraft is capable of servicing multiple satellites in a single mission.