NASA has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing issue of space debris in Earth’s orbit. The space agency has awarded a contract worth $15 million to Starfish Space, a company that specializes in space technology and exploration. As part of the contract, Starfish Space will utilize its SSPICY Otter satellite to inspect defunct satellites in Earth’s orbit.
The issue of space debris has become a pressing concern in recent years, with millions of pieces of defunct satellites, rocket parts, and other man-made objects currently orbiting the planet. These objects pose a significant risk to operational satellites and spacecraft, and can cause serious damage in the event of a collision.
Starfish Space’s mission, which is set to launch in the near future, will see the company’s SSPICY Otter satellite deployed in Earth’s orbit to inspect a number of defunct satellites. The goal of the mission is to gather data on the condition and position of these satellites, and to assess the feasibility of a larger-scale debris removal operation in the future.
The $15 million contract awarded to Starfish Space is a significant investment by NASA in its efforts to address the issue of space debris. The agency has recognized the importance of removing defunct satellites and other objects from Earth’s orbit, and is committed to finding effective solutions to this problem.
Starfish Space’s SSPICY Otter satellite is a state-of-the-art spacecraft that is equipped with advanced sensors and propulsion systems. The satellite is designed to maneuver in close proximity to defunct satellites, allowing it to gather high-resolution images and other data that will be used to inform future debris removal operations.
The success of the SSPICY Otter mission will be an important step forward in NASA’s efforts to clean up space debris. The agency is committed to exploring new technologies and strategies for removing defunct satellites and other objects from Earth’s orbit, and the Starfish Space contract is an important part of this effort.