2 min read<\/p>\n
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/otter-2.png?w=2000\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nTechnicians at Starfish Space prepare the Otter spacecraft ahead of NASA\u2019s SSPICY technology demonstration mission. The CubeSat spacecraft will demonstrate technologies that could reduce orbital debris. <\/div>\nStarfish Space<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA new NASA-supported spacecraft will get up close to satellites that are no longer in service, demonstrating technologies that could support future in-space repairs and reduce orbital debris.<\/p>\n
The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission launched Oct. 1<\/a> from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission is a technology demonstration where an Otter spacecraft will approach up to four inoperable space objects of U.S. origin in low Earth orbit, such as satellites and rocket bodies.<\/p>\nIn early 2027, the Otter spacecraft, built by Starfish Space, will begin to navigate within hundreds of yards of each object to perform inspections, using autonomous guidance and control software with minimal input from ground controllers. Computer vision and sensors enable software to make real-time navigation decisions as the spacecraft approaches each target.<\/p>\n
During inspection, the Otter spacecraft will gather critical information about each object, such as spin rate, orientation, and surface condition. An electric propulsion system will enable SSPICY to travel between objects, and an articulating robotic boom will test pointing the spacecraft\u2019s thrusters for precise maneuvering between different orbits.<\/p>\n
This mission is the first time these technologies will be tested together as an integrated system, paving the way for future autonomous servicing and orbital debris inspection.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/otter-3.png?w=1500\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nTechnicians prepare the Otter spacecraft for NASA\u2019s SSPICY mission at Starfish Space facilities in Seattle. The spacecraft, which is about the size of a washing machine, will autonomously navigate to inoperable space objects of U.S. origin to inspect them, testing technologies to one day make in-space repair possible. <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDuring the SSPICY mission, the Otter spacecraft won\u2019t touch or dock with any satellites, but will test the technologies needed to one day enable missions to service or repair objects in orbit, or to safely remove them by pulling them into Earth\u2019s atmosphere for disposal.<\/p>\n
Space objects like rocket bodies and satellites that are experiencing issues or no longer in service can break apart or collide with one another, creating varying forms of orbital debris<\/a> from large fragments to small particles. With thousands of satellites launched each year to provide communications, weather forecasting, navigation, and other services that people rely on daily, keeping the space near Earth safe for operations is increasingly critical.<\/p>\nStarfish Space developed and operates the Otter 24C spacecraft, which is performing the SSPICY mission. NASA\u2019s Small Spacecraft\u00a0and Distributed Systems program within the agency\u2019s Research and Technology Mission Directorate funds and manages the technology demonstration.<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s Small Business Innovation Research \/ Small Business Technology Transfer program funded awards to Starfish Space to support early development of the spacecraft\u2019s key technologies and capabilities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/otter-2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>A new NASA-supported spacecraft will get up close to satellites that are no longer in service, demonstrating technologies that could support future in-space repairs and reduce orbital debris.<\/p>\n
The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission launched Oct. 1<\/a> from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission is a technology demonstration where an Otter spacecraft will approach up to four inoperable space objects of U.S. origin in low Earth orbit, such as satellites and rocket bodies.<\/p>\n In early 2027, the Otter spacecraft, built by Starfish Space, will begin to navigate within hundreds of yards of each object to perform inspections, using autonomous guidance and control software with minimal input from ground controllers. Computer vision and sensors enable software to make real-time navigation decisions as the spacecraft approaches each target.<\/p>\n During inspection, the Otter spacecraft will gather critical information about each object, such as spin rate, orientation, and surface condition. An electric propulsion system will enable SSPICY to travel between objects, and an articulating robotic boom will test pointing the spacecraft\u2019s thrusters for precise maneuvering between different orbits.<\/p>\n This mission is the first time these technologies will be tested together as an integrated system, paving the way for future autonomous servicing and orbital debris inspection.<\/p>\n During the SSPICY mission, the Otter spacecraft won\u2019t touch or dock with any satellites, but will test the technologies needed to one day enable missions to service or repair objects in orbit, or to safely remove them by pulling them into Earth\u2019s atmosphere for disposal.<\/p>\n Space objects like rocket bodies and satellites that are experiencing issues or no longer in service can break apart or collide with one another, creating varying forms of orbital debris<\/a> from large fragments to small particles. With thousands of satellites launched each year to provide communications, weather forecasting, navigation, and other services that people rely on daily, keeping the space near Earth safe for operations is increasingly critical.<\/p>\n Starfish Space developed and operates the Otter 24C spacecraft, which is performing the SSPICY mission. NASA\u2019s Small Spacecraft\u00a0and Distributed Systems program within the agency\u2019s Research and Technology Mission Directorate funds and manages the technology demonstration.<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Small Business Innovation Research \/ Small Business Technology Transfer program funded awards to Starfish Space to support early development of the spacecraft\u2019s key technologies and capabilities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>Share<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n