---
title: "First Otter Spacecraft Prepared for Launch to Service Satellites in Orbit"
description: "Starfish Space has prepared the first Otter inspector satellite for launch on October 1 to service, inspect, and tow defunct spacecraft in orbit."
date: 2026-09-27T10:04:28.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/first-otter-spacecraft-prepared-for-launch
tags: [spacecraft, starfish-space, nasa, spacex, satellite-servicing]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# First Otter Spacecraft Prepared for Launch to Service Satellites in Orbit

![Starfish Space Otter inspector satellite mockup](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/27/k-zapusku-podgotovlen-perviy-apparat-otter/k-zapusku-podgotovlen-perviy-apparat-otter-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The launch of the first Otter satellite is scheduled for October 1 from Vandenberg Base.
- The spacecraft was developed with NASA financial support under the SSPICY program.
- Otter is equipped with computer vision systems and a Nautilus robotic arm for docking.

Starfish Space has completed preparations for the launch of the first Otter inspector satellite in the series, presenting the prototype at the Seattle Aquarium. This innovative spacecraft is designed not only to study malfunctioning objects in Earth orbit but also to act as a space tug, safely moving them to new orbital positions or deorbiting them into Earth's atmosphere. This initiative aims to fundamentally transform space exploration by putting an end to the era of exclusively disposable space missions.

### Mission Details and NASA Financial Support

The official mission launch is scheduled for October 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in sunny California. The spacecraft will be deployed as part of SpaceX's regular Transporter-18 mission, a batch launch carrying payloads for various commercial and government entities. The development and production of the spacecraft cost $15 million, funded by NASA under the SSPICY (Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability) program. Additionally, the developer actively collaborates with U.S. defense agencies.

### Technical Design and Innovative Systems

The compact Otter spacecraft weighs between 300 and 335 kilograms and is roughly the size of a kitchen oven equipped with massive solar panels. The primary task of the device under the current program is to rendezvous with inactive spacecraft for detailed visual inspection. To achieve this, it utilizes the advanced CETACEAN computer vision system and stereo cameras, alongside the CEPHALOPOD navigation system, which calculates safe maneuvering trajectories. The inclusion of the Manta robotic system and the Nautilus capture mechanism will eventually enable docking even with objects not originally designed for servicing.

### Controversial Data

Open sources and official reports contain certain discrepancies regarding the exact list of objects that the Otter spacecraft will inspect during the first phase of the flight. Starfish Space representatives state that target objects have already been selected from a preliminary list, but the final choice will be made immediately before or after the satellite reaches orbit. Meanwhile, industry experts note that priority will likely be given to retired U.S. military assets and commercial satellites in geostationary orbit, although the exact sequence and composition of the missions are kept strictly confidential for national security reasons.

### Commercialization and Scaling Prospects

The successful launch of Otter is intended to bridge experimental testing and full-scale commercial orbital services for the startup Starfish Space. Founded in 2019 by former Blue Origin employees, the company has expanded its workforce to 120 qualified specialists. Concurrently with preparations for the first mission, at least five additional identical satellites are being assembled at the company's manufacturing facilities, underscoring the growing demand for space debris cleanup and orbital lifespan extension technologies.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [К запуску подготовлен первый аппарат Otter для сервисного обслуживания спутников в космосе window-new](https://3dnews.ru/1149088/k-zapusku-podgotovlen-perviy-apparat-otter-dlya-servisnogo-obslugivaniya-sputnikov-v-kosmose) - Основной источник детального описания миссии аппарат Otter, характеристик и параметров.
- [Военные США закупят маневренные стыкуемые модули Otter для спутников, даже не рассчитанных на ...](https://www.ixbt.com/live/science/voennye-ssha-zakupyat-manevrennye-stykuemye-moduli-otter-dlya-sputnikov-dazhe-ne-rasschitannyh-na-peremescheniya.html) - Данные об участии в военных программах США и деталях стыковочных узлов.
- [NASA дало Starfish Space $15 млн на инспекцию космического мусора](https://www.ferra.ru/news/techlife/nasa-dalo-starfish-space-usd15-mln-na-inspekciyu-kosmicheskogo-musora-28-09-2024.htm) - Подтверждение финансовой поддержки со стороны NASA в рамках программы SSPICY.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: When is the Otter spacecraft launch scheduled?
**A:** The launch is scheduled for October 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

### Q: Who funded the satellite's development?
**A:** NASA funded the spacecraft's development and production with $15 million under the SSPICY program.

### Q: What are the main tasks of the Otter spacecraft?
**A:** Rendezvous with inactive satellites, visual inspection, towing, and safe deorbiting.