Space
NASA Tests Autonomous Inspection Tech in Orbit
NASA has launched the SSPICY mission to test autonomous inspection technologies for orbital debris using the Starfish Space Otter spacecraft.
October 8, 2026, 09:56 PM·NASA

NASA has launched the SSPICY mission to test autonomous inspection technologies for orbital debris using the Starfish Space Otter spacecraft.

Starfish Space is set to launch its first Otter satellite on October 1 to provide inspection and servicing capabilities for spacecraft in orbit.

Starfish Space is launching its first Otter spacecraft next month for a $15 million NASA inspection mission after seven years of development and $150 million in funding.

Starfish Space has completed its first operational Otter satellite servicing vehicle, with a maiden launch scheduled for October 2026 on the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission.
