Tukwila aerospace company Starfish Space Inc. has secured a significant government contract valued at $54.5 million from the U.S. Space Force.[1] The firm-fixed-price agreement, awarded on February 2, calls for the production of a dedicated Otter satellite-servicing vehicle to support dynamic space operations in geosynchronous orbit.[2]
The Otter vehicle will enable autonomous docking, maneuvering, and servicing of national security satellites, enhancing their operational capabilities and resilience. This contract follows a previous Space Force award and positions Starfish Space as a key provider of on-orbit servicing and logistics solutions. The company, headquartered at 665 Andover Park West in Tukwila, specializes in space mobility technologies.[3]
Company Growth and Expertise
Starfish Space, proud to call the Seattle area home, develops advanced space technology through collaborative team efforts. The firm is actively hiring, with opportunities listed on its careers page, reflecting expansion amid growing demand for satellite servicing.[4]
“Starfish Space is proud to grow our partnership with the Space Force under the APFIT program,” said Austin Link, co-founder of Starfish Space. “Through dynamic space operations and autonomous augmented maneuver, we enable the Space Force to sustain critical space assets, increase resilience, and maintain operational flexibility.”[5]
The contract supports delivery of the Otter vehicle in 2028 and represents one of the largest awards in the APFIT program's current cycle, accelerating the transition of proven technologies to operational use. Looking ahead, this development signals potential for additional contracts and further advancements in sustained space maneuver capabilities for national security.