Space Force Buys Second Otter Spacecraft

February 9, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1770674610115-2516

Starfish Space Wins $54.5M Contract for Space Force Satellites

The US Space Force has awarded Starfish Space a $54.5 million contract to provide the second Otter satellite-servicing craft for dynamic space operations in geosynchronous Earth orbit. The contract is funded via the Defense Department’s APFIT program, which aims to speed up procurement and fielding of innovative technologies. According to Starfish, the new spacecraft will enable the Space Force to sustain critical space assets, increase resilience, and maintain operational flexibility across evolving mission demands. Breaking Defense reports that the company expects to deliver the second Otter in 2028.

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Key Takeaways

The US Space Force has awarded a $54.5 million contract to Starfish Space.
The contract is funded via the Defense Department’s APFIT program.
The Otter satellite-servicing craft will support dynamic space operations in geosynchronous Earth orbit.
Starfish expects to deliver the second Otter in 2028.

Starfish Space

Strategic Implications

This contract may indicate the Space Force’s growing emphasis on maneuver-based space operations. The deployment of the Otter spacecraft suggests a focus on sustaining critical space assets and increasing operational flexibility. However, the program’s success is uncertain due to the Space Force’s undecided stance on full-scale investment in enabling technologies.