On 9 November Starfish Space an American newspace company contracted with Launcher a compatriot to carry its first demonstration satellite into orbit. Launcher will utilise its Orbiter OTV which has been manifested on a SpaceX Transporter mission planned for Summer 2023.
Starfish is developing a spacecraft for the purpose of in-orbit servicing which will be known as “Otter”. The unit in this demonstration mission is called “Otter Pup”. The plan for this mission will see the Otter Pup be deployed from the Orbiter and then later utilise the OTV as its docking target. The Otter Pup is equipped with an electric propulsion system supplied by French company Exotrail.
