Which is the new final frontier — the space above us or the oceans below us ? In the case of Starfish Space , it may be a little of both . The depths of the sea and the far reaches of satellite-bearing low Earth orbit have been combined in a solution-oriented format by the Seattle-based space company . Their mission is to develop spacecraft that can solve two main problems in space — how to create longevity for satellites through a servicing model and how to retire and remove satellites at the end of their lifetimes .
It is estimated now that 5,000 satellites are orbiting the earth . By some estimates , that number could increase to over 100,000 by 2030 . The satellites are complex machines that provide the world with commercial services , in many cases , such as communications , aerial photography , weather , climate monitoring , internet , and data collection . They are owned publicly and privately and can cost millions to produce and launch . They typically have an expiration date on their effectiveness and operability .
Starfish Space , a Seattle , Washington startup , leverages ocean-related naming in its systems and intellectual property . The company was founded in 2019 by former Blue Origin engineers Trevor Bennett and Austin Link .
Both are educated in engineering and aerospace and are fond of sea creatures and their names .
The company ’ s first satellite , Otter Pup , was announced in November 2022 and is slated to launch in mid-2023 . From a fundamental standpoint , Otter Pup will launch into space on a rocket and be deployed by another satellite .
Once released by this satellite , Otter Pup will drift several kilometers away , and then use its onboard electric propulsion system to turn around and rendezvous with the same satellite that deployed it . Otter Pup will utilize a unique capture mechanism powered by electrostatic adhesion to dock with the satellite for initial proof of concept and then undock from the satellite to run further tests .
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