Starfish Space is preparing for its second test mission, Otter Pup 2, which aims to dock with another satellite in orbit. The mission will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base as early as next month.
Co-founder Trevor Bennett says the demonstration mission will be a major step forward for the company. It’s designed to showcase technologies that will be used on Starfish’s full-size Otter satellite servicing vehicles, which are meant to refuel and service satellites for extended missions or deorbit them at the end of their lives.
Starfish has made significant upgrades, including new electric propulsion systems and navigation software developed in-house. The company is also relying on industry partners for various components, such as a camera system from Redwire Space and a capture mechanism from Honeybee Robotics.
The Otter Pup 2 mission will target a D-Orbit ION spacecraft and aim to execute a complex rendezvous and capture sequence. This will involve Starfish’s Nautilus satellite capture mechanism, which uses an electrostatic capture system, allowing it to adhere to different surface materials.
Bennett estimates that the company may take several months to complete all mission objectives. With multiple contracts secured, including tens of millions of dollars, Starfish Space is poised for growth. The company has raised over $50 million in venture capital funding and now boasts a team of close to 80 people.
Source: https://www.geekwire.com/2025/otter-pup-2-starfish-space-satellite