US space forces (USSF) recently signed a contract for the amount 54,5 million dollars with the startup Starfish Space. This agreement involves the construction and operation of the Otter spacecraft, intended for servicing satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO).
Key aspects of the contract:
Purpose of the device: Otter will perform the role of "space tug". It will be able to autonomously dock with military satellites for their movement, extension of the service life (by keeping at a standing point) or launch into burial orbit.
Technology: Otter's uniqueness lies in its ability to connect even with those devices, which were not originally designed for service in space.
Funding program: The contract was awarded through the Pentagon's APFIT program (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies), which is aimed at rapid implementation of innovative commercial solutions for defense needs.
Deadlines: Delivery of the device is scheduled for 2028 year, and the contract itself is designed for at least five years of operation.
This is the company's second major contract with the Space Force in recent times. Earlier, in January 2026 year, Starfish Space also received a contract for 52,5 million dollars from the Space Development Agency (SDA) to provide disposal services for satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Source: https://spacenews.com