Intelsat and Starfish Space Sign Agreement for Satellite Life Extension

Intelsat and Starfish Space Sign Agreement for Satellite Life Extension
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 27, 2024

Intelsat, operator of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, has entered into a contract with Starfish Space for the use of a Starfish Otter servicing vehicle to extend the life of an Intelsat geostationary satellite, starting in 2026. This important agreement underscores Intelsat's dedication to employing satellite servicing technologies to enhance the value provided by its satellites to customers and marks the first mission for Starfish's Otter with a commercial satellite operator.

"For six decades, Intelsat has shown commitment to innovation and leveraging new technologies from throughout the industry," said Jean-Luc Froeliger, Intelsat's Senior Vice President of Space Systems.

"By engaging with emerging ventures, we create unique value for Intelsat while fostering a dynamic and competitive environment that drives advancement in space systems. Starfish is the perfect example of this kind of progress, and we look forward to utilizing the services provided by their Otter satellite to maximize the value the world's largest geostationary satellite fleet can deliver for our customers."

Intelsat has been a pioneer in extending satellite missions, with its first agreement for satellite life extension signed in 2016, followed by several additional life extension missions in recent years. The contract with Starfish signifies a major advancement for both companies, broadening the market for satellite servicing and advancing the industry towards a new standard in satellite operations. Starfish Space's Otter spacecraft uses a small satellite architecture and innovative hardware and software technologies to offer fast, flexible, and cost-efficient on-orbit servicing missions for satellites.

Starfish's initial servicing mission for Intelsat is set to begin in 2026. Initially, Otter will dock with and maneuver a retired Intelsat satellite in geostationary graveyard orbit. After this initial task, Otter will then dock with and extend the life of an operational Intelsat satellite, using its onboard propulsion system to maintain the client satellite in operational orbit for additional years.

"Starfish Space is delighted to be supporting Intelsat with services provided by Otter," said Dr. Trevor Bennett, Co-Founder of Starfish Space. "They are an incredible team at the forefront of the industry and the Otter will help them deliver even more to their customers. We're also excited that this will be the first of many Otters that will make on-orbit servicing a standard part of satellite operations."