NASA Launches SSPICY to Test Autonomous Inspection of Dead Satellites

A NASA-backed spacecraft has reached orbit to demonstrate technologies for inspecting defunct satellites and rocket bodies up close, a capability the agency says could enable future in-space repairs and help reduce orbital debris. The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability mission, known as SSPICY, launched October 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The mission addresses a growing hazard in low Earth orbit. Rocket bodies and satellites that are experiencing issues or are no longer in service can break apart or collide, creating orbital debris ranging from large fragments to small particles. With thousands of satellites launched each year for communications, weather forecasting, navigation, and other services, NASA says keeping the space near Earth safe for operations is increasingly critical.

The Otter spacecraft, built and operated by Starfish Space, will approach up to four inoperable space objects of U.S. origin in low Earth orbit. Beginning in early 2027, the spacecraft will navigate within hundreds of yards of each object to perform inspections using autonomous guidance and control software with minimal input from ground controllers. Computer vision and sensors allow the software to make real-time navigation decisions as the spacecraft closes in on each target.

During each inspection, the Otter spacecraft will gather information including spin rate, orientation, and surface condition. An electric propulsion system will move the spacecraft between objects, and an articulating robotic boom will test pointing the spacecraft's thrusters for precise maneuvering between different orbits. The spacecraft, which is about the size of a washing machine, will not touch or dock with any satellite during the mission.

NASA's Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems program within the agency's Research and Technology Mission Directorate funds and manages the technology demonstration. NASA's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program funded earlier awards to Starfish Space to support development of the spacecraft's key technologies and capabilities. The spacecraft performing the mission is the Otter 24C.

NASA describes the mission as the first time these technologies will be tested together as an integrated system. The agency says this paves the way for future autonomous servicing and orbital debris inspection, testing the technologies needed to one day service or repair objects in orbit, or to safely remove them by pulling them into Earth's atmosphere for disposal.

The next milestone comes in early 2027, when the Otter spacecraft begins navigating toward its targets to carry out the planned inspections.