NASA has signed a $15 million contract with Starfish Space to develop a mission aimed at investigating vanished satellites and other space debris in low Earth orbit. The mission, known as Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY), will use Starfish’s Otter spacecraft to approach and evaluate inactive satellites to address the growing space debris problem. This is an essential step above. Scheduled to launch in 2026, the SSPICY mission is part of NASA’s broader efforts to advance space sustainability and reduce risks posed by orbital debris.
Mission objectives and technological advances
The centerpiece of the SSPICY mission is the Otter spacecraft, a highly maneuverable satellite the size of a kitchen oven. The spacecraft will use advanced electric propulsion to navigate near extinct satellites and other space debris. This capability is essential for the mission’s primary objective: to perform a close-range inspection of a non-operational spacecraft to assess its structural condition, rotational speed, surface material integrity, and other important indicators. is. By collecting this data, Otter will provide insights that will inform future efforts to repair, reuse, or safely deorbit these objects and reduce the risk of catastrophic collisions in orbit. We provide.
The SSPICY mission will mature critical technologies needed by the commercial sector to support satellite servicing and debris handling, said Bo Nurse, senior technical officer for NASA’s in-space servicing, manufacturing and assembly efforts. Designed. This type of close examination is critical to better understand the physical conditions that can cause a spacecraft to become stranded or malfunction in orbit, leading to debris fragmentation. This capability is essential as space becomes crowded with satellites and other objects, increasing the likelihood of collisions and potentially causing extensive damage to functioning satellites and space missions.
Increasing space debris challenges
The SSPICY mission is part of a broader movement within NASA and the international space community to address the growing problem of orbital debris, which has become one of the most pressing challenges facing modern space exploration and commercial satellite operations. Today, fragments of thousands of vanished satellites and debris orbit the Earth at high speeds, posing a significant danger to operational spacecraft and astronauts. These objects are the result of decades of space activity, and without proper intervention, the amount of debris could reach a tipping point where space becomes too dangerous for future missions.
The debris problem is more than just an inconvenience. Defunct satellites often remain in orbit, spinning uncontrollably or slowly disintegrating over years. This debris could eventually collide with other satellites, creating more debris and exacerbating the problem. The SSPICY mission aims to provide critical data to help mitigate these risks by conducting detailed inspections of these defunct satellites. The Otter spacecraft approaches each target to within a few hundred meters, a delicate task given the high speeds these objects move. The goal is to increase understanding of how to manage such objects before they pose a major threat to both government and commercial space missions.
Starfish Space and NASA’s joint vision for satellite services
The SSPICY mission not only represents a step toward cleaning up low Earth orbit, but also represents an exciting leap forward in satellite servicing capabilities. In a world where satellites are often built with a disposable mindset, Starfish Space is working with NASA to envision a future where in-space servicing, maintenance, and even spacecraft assembly is the norm. This approach is key to maximizing satellite life, reducing the need to launch new satellites prematurely, and minimizing debris from aging spacecraft.
Starfish Space’s Otter spacecraft is at the forefront of these advances. The electric propulsion system not only allows for efficient movement between multiple debris objects, but also enhances the ability to perform close-in operations to meet and safely and accurately inspect these objects. Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space, said: It is an honor for Starfish to lead the first commercial debris inspection mission funded by NASA. ”
The data collected from these tests will be invaluable in informing future efforts in debris removal and satellite maintenance. This data could also play a role in advances in in-space assembly technology, allowing spacecraft to be repaired or reused autonomously in orbit. As the commercial space industry continues to grow, missions like SSPICY are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and efficient future of satellite operations, supporting autonomous space logistics and the creation of new satellites to replace decommissioned ones. Paving the way to reduced dependence on launches.
Debris in orbit: risks and the way forward
The SSPICY mission does not take place in a vacuum. NASA is increasingly focused on space sustainability and debris mitigation, while private companies and government agencies alike are grappling with the challenges posed by an increasingly crowded orbital environment. According to NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, orbital debris not only threatens the functionality of current satellites, but also poses a serious threat to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and future manned missions to the Moon and Mars. It is said to pose a risk. Debris can travel at speeds in excess of 28,000 kilometers per hour, and even small pieces can cause catastrophic damage.
The SSPICY mission will serve as a proof of concept for future debris management technologies and demonstrate how space can be kept safe for both exploration and commercial operations. While the initial mission will focus on inspecting defunct U.S.-owned satellites, the technology could eventually be applied more broadly, including international debris removal efforts and commercial satellite maintenance missions. There is sex. The importance of such missions cannot be overstated, as constellations such as Starlink add hundreds of new satellites to low Earth orbit each year.
NASA’s SSPICY mission is scheduled to launch in late 2026, and the Otter spacecraft is scheduled to begin inspections in 2027. This mission is an important step in not only cleaning up Earth’s orbit, but also moving the space industry toward more sustainable, maintainable, and reusable satellite models. . By working with companies like Starfish Space, NASA is transforming the way space debris is managed and driving innovation that has the potential to maintain a safe and viable space environment for generations to come. .
