Starfish Space’s Otter Satellite: Pioneering Commercial Docking in Orbit - New Space Economy

Starfish Space’s Otter Satellite: Pioneering Commercial Docking in Orbit - New Space Economy

In the vast expanse of space, satellites have long operated in isolation, designed to function without maintenance or upgrades once launched. This limitation has restricted their lifespan and capabilities. However, a small spacecraft called the Otter is set to change that. Developed by Starfish Space, a Seattle-based company, the Otter is poised to attempt a groundbreaking mission in 2025: the first-ever commercial satellite docking in low Earth…

Starfish’s second spacecraft launched for docking test

Starfish Space’s second Otter Pup spacecraft went into Earth orbit today, marking the first step in what the Seattle-area startup hopes will be a successful demonstration of the vehicle’s ability to dock with other satellites. Otter Pup, which is about the size of a microwave oven, was one of 70 payloads that hitched a ride to space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-14 rideshare mission. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Vand…