Space Force Awards $52.5M for First-Ever Deorbit-as-a-Service Contract

Historic Funding for Space Debris Mitigation

In a landmark move to address the growing space debris crisis, the U.S. Space Force has awarded Starfish Space a groundbreaking $52.5 million contract for the first-ever 'Deorbit-as-a-Service' (DaaS) agreement. This historic funding announcement represents a major shift in how governments and private companies approach orbital sustainability, moving from theoretical discussions to operational reality.

The Technology Behind the Mission

Starfish Space will use its innovative Otter spacecraft to provide end-of-life disposal services for satellites in the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) network. The Otter is an ESPA-class satellite equipped with three proprietary technologies: CETACEAN for computer vision navigation, CEPHALOPOD for autonomous guidance, and the Nautilus universal capture mechanism that can dock with satellites lacking dedicated ports. 'This isn't just about cleaning up space—it's about creating sustainable infrastructure for the future,' said Trevor Bennett, CEO of Starfish Space, in a recent interview. 'Our Otter spacecraft can capture and deorbit satellites without requiring prior modifications, allowing us to service existing and future spacecraft.'

The first operational Otter vehicles are scheduled to launch in late 2026, following the Otter Pup 2 mission in 2025 that will demonstrate commercial satellite docking. This builds on previous Space Force collaboration with Starfish Space, including a $37.5 million STRATFI contract in 2024 for GEO maneuver capabilities.

The Growing Space Debris Problem

Current systems track approximately 40,000 larger debris fragments in Earth's orbit, but hundreds of thousands of smaller pieces and millions of tiny untracked particles pose significant collision risks to spacecraft, satellites, and crewed missions. According to a 2025 review article, the hazards to satellite operations and orbital stability are increasing exponentially as more satellites are launched.

The World Economic Forum's 2026 report 'Clear Orbit, Secure Future: A Call to Action on Space Debris' emphasizes the economic and security implications of space debris, advocating for sustainable space practices to ensure continued access to space for scientific, commercial, and national security purposes.

Policy Hurdles and International Cooperation

While technological solutions are advancing, significant policy hurdles remain. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has developed Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines that outline best practices for space operations, but international enforcement remains challenging.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has implemented new Space Debris Mitigation Policy and Requirements as part of its Zero Debris approach, setting stricter standards for all ESA missions to limit debris production in Earth and lunar orbits by 2030. Key changes include reducing low-Earth orbit disposal time from 25 to 5 years and requiring over 90% disposal success probability.

'The policy landscape is evolving, but we need binding international agreements to truly address this global problem,' noted Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a space policy expert at the Secure World Foundation. 'Funding announcements like this one are crucial, but they must be accompanied by regulatory frameworks that ensure compliance across all spacefaring nations.'

NASA's Technical Contributions

NASA has been actively contributing to deorbit technology development through reports like their 2025 publication 'Small Spacecraft Technology State of the Art: Deorbit', which provides a comprehensive overview of current deorbit technologies for small spacecraft. The document covers various deorbit methods, systems, and compliance with space sustainability guidelines.

The Future of Space Sustainability

The $52.5 million contract represents more than just funding—it signals a fundamental shift in how space operations are conceptualized and executed. As satellite constellations continue to proliferate, with thousands of new satellites planned for launch in the coming years, the need for responsible end-of-life disposal has never been more urgent.

'This contract proves that deorbit services can be commercially viable while addressing critical environmental concerns,' said General John Miller of the U.S. Space Force. 'We're not just investing in technology—we're investing in the long-term sustainability of the space domain for all users.'

The mission will target launch in 2027, with the Otter spacecraft designed to deorbit at least one satellite from the PWSA network. This pioneering approach could set a precedent for how both government and commercial satellite operators manage their assets throughout their lifecycle, potentially revolutionizing space operations for decades to come.