U.S. Space Force Prepares for First-Ever In-Orbit Satellite Servicing Mission in 2026

Pentagon: U.S. Space Force is preparing for a groundbreaking logistics mission in 2026, aimed at demonstrating capability to manoeuvre and service spacecraft in orbit. This initiative is spearheed by Space Systems Command (SSC), in collaboration with SpaceWERX, Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) space innovation arm. effort received a significant boost with a $37.5 million contract awarded to Washington-based Starfish Space, a company specializing in satellite servicing technology.  

Starfish Space, known for its Otter line of service satellites, will play a central role in this mission. Otter satellites are designed to perform various in-orbit services, including disposal of defunct satellites and providing propulsion or thrust to enhance missions of or spacecraft. Under SSC contract, one of se Otter vehicles will dock with Space Force satellites to extend ir service life or relocate m to new orbits.  

Expanding Capabilities with Otter Spacecraft  

Otter spacecraft are equipped to perform autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) with a wide range of clients, including those not originally configured for docking. This capability is expected to offer U.S. Space Force flexibility in maintaining and enhancing its satellite assets. “ Otter spacecraft will be capable of performing autonomous RPOD, compatible with a wide range of clients, including those that were never designed or configured for docking,” SSC noted in a statement on May 20. “This capability gives U.S. Space Force a range of options to support existing assets and allow future assets to be supported without imposing ditional configuration requirements.”

Starfish Space’s first Otter mission in 2023 encountered an anomaly shortly after launch. However, company plans to launch anor Otter spacecraft in 2025, positioning it to support 2026 mission. This contract comes as Space Force evaluates potential of commercial satellites in servicing military spacecraft, an initiative known as Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SAML). Space Force’s fiscal 2025 budget request includes $14 million for demonstrations to inform plans.  

Role and Legacy of U.S. Space Force  

U.S. Space Force, established as space service branch of U.S. Armed Forces, operates under Department of Air Force. It is smallest branch, with 8,600 military personnel and 77 spacecraft across various programs, including GPS, Space Fence, and military satellite communications constellations. Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces, which are n assigned to United States Space Command for operational deployment.

Tracing its origins to early Cold War era, Space Force has evolved from Air Force's Western Development Division, established in 1954, to its current form. Its contributions to U.S. military operations have been significant, with space assets playing crucial roles in conflicts from Vietnam War to Persian Gulf War.  

As Space Force moves forward with its 2026 logistics mission, it aims to solidify its capabilities in space manoeuvrability and servicing. success of this mission could pave way for enhanced operational flexibility and longevity of U.S. space assets, reinforcing nation's strategic vantage in space. This initiative also underscores growing importance of commercial partnerships in vancing U.S. military capabilities in increasingly contested space domain.