The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability, known as NASA SSPICY, is an in-space technology demonstration using the Otter spacecraft to approach and inspect up to four inoperable space objects of U.S. origin in low Earth orbit without docking.
Starfish Space developed and operates the vehicle. NASA says the demonstration is paving the way for future autonomous servicing and orbital debris inspection, with inspections beginning in early 2027.
What SSPICY Is and What Otter Will Do
The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) technology demonstration where an Otter spacecraft autonomously approaches up to four inoperable space objects of U.S. origin in low Earth orbit. The spacecraft launched on October 1, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Beginning in early 2027, Otter will navigate within hundreds of yards of each target object to conduct external examinations without touching or docking with any hardware.
Starfish Space developed and operates Otter 24C; technicians prepared it at Starfish facilities in Seattle. NASA photo captions describe the craft as about the size of a washing machine and as a CubeSat spacecraft; the 2024 article describes it as about the size of an oven. The demonstration targets inoperable space objects of U.S. origin, such as satellites and rocket bodies; NASA’s 2024 article states the satellites agreed to be visited.
This is the first time these technologies will be tested together as an integrated system, paving the way for future autonomous servicing and orbital debris inspection (see satellite servicing and active debris removal).
How the Inspection Works
To examine inactive targets, the Otter spacecraft relies on autonomous guidance and control software that operates with minimal input from ground controllers. As the vehicle closes distance, computer vision and sensors process real-time navigation decisions. In 2026 NASA stated Otter will navigate within hundreds of yards of each object; the 2024 article stated it would approach defunct satellites within hundreds of meters.
During each inspection pass, the spacecraft measures specific physical properties of the target:
- The spin rate of the inactive object.
- The orientation of the object.
- The condition of the exterior surfaces.
Mobility between different targets depends on an onboard electric propulsion system. NASA’s 2024 article notes electric propulsion is not typically used for rendezvous and proximity operations and the mission will mature the ability to perform inspections with it. An articulating robotic boom will test pointing the spacecraft’s thrusters for precise maneuvering between different orbits.
NASA says Otter will not touch or dock with any satellites during the mission.
Who Funds and Runs It
NASA’s Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems program funds and manages the demonstration per the 2026 article, while the 2024 article cites the Small Spacecraft Technology program at Ames Research Center. The 2026 article names the Research and Technology Mission Directorate, while the 2024 article names the Space Technology Mission Directorate.
NASA awarded Starfish Space a $15 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract over three years to complete the mission, an award announced in September 2024. This contract followed an earlier Phase III study in which NASA funded four United States small businesses to develop mission concepts. Prior development of the spacecraft’s core technologies received support from NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs.
Bo Naasz, senior technical lead for in-space servicing, manufacturing, and assembly in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, said in 2024:
“The SSPICY mission is designed to mature technologies needed for U.S. commercial capabilities for satellite servicing and logistics or disposal.”
Naasz explained that in-space inspection helps characterize the physical state of a satellite, gather data on what may leave spacecraft stranded, and improve understanding of fragmentations and collisions. Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space, stated:
“It’s an honor for Starfish to lead the first commercial debris inspection mission funded by NASA.”
Why It Matters for Debris and Servicing
NASA’s 2024 article described SSPICY as “the first commercial space debris inspection funded by NASA.” Thousands of satellites are launched each year. Rocket bodies and satellites that are experiencing issues or no longer in service can break apart or collide with one another, creating orbital debris from large fragments to small particles. See our guide to space debris.
SSPICY will test technologies needed to one day enable missions to service or repair objects in orbit, or to safely remove them by pulling them into Earth’s atmosphere for disposal. See our guides to space tugs, orbital refueling and space technology.
What the Sources Do Not Say
The two NASA articles do not state which objects are targets. NASA describes them as inoperable space objects of U.S. origin, such as satellites and rocket bodies. Only the 2024 article states the satellites are U.S.-owned and agreed to be visited and inspected.
The two NASA articles also do not state:
- The specific launch vehicle that carried the spacecraft into orbit on October 1, 2026.
- The precise altitude, inclination, or orbital parameters of the deployment orbit.
- The projected mission end date or full operational timeline beyond the early 2027 inspection phase.
- Exact mass and external dimensions of the Otter 24C vehicle, beyond descriptions comparing it to a washing machine or an oven.
- Anything about price beyond the $15 million award.
The sources reviewed here do not publish target selections or orbital parameters. Verify them at NASA, starting with NASA’s October 8, 2026 article on the mission and NASA’s 2024 SSPICY article.