U.S. Picks 3 Companies for Satellite Deorbit Study as Pentagon Weighs Commercial Service
Updated
Updated · SpaceNews · Aug 16
U.S. Picks 3 Companies for Satellite Deorbit Study as Pentagon Weighs Commercial Service
2 articles · Updated · SpaceNews · Aug 16
Summary
D-Orbit USA, Firefly Aerospace and Katalyst Space won Defense Innovation Unit and Space Development Agency study contracts to design a commercial “deorbit-as-a-service” option for government satellites.
The effort targets aging, non-cooperative spacecraft not built for servicing, with the agencies testing whether industry can safely rendezvous, capture and deorbit them at a price cheaper than a dedicated government capability.
The 3 companies now enter preliminary design and risk-reduction work before SDA and DIU choose one approach for a full on-orbit demonstration based on technical maturity, schedule and affordability.
SDA is expanding a push that began in 2024 with 6 feasibility studies; Starfish Space later secured a $52.5 million contract to deorbit up to 7 spacecraft.
The contenders bring uneven flight readiness: Firefly’s Elytra has not yet flown, Katalyst’s Link launched July 3 but hit attitude-control issues, and D-Orbit USA was formed in 2024 as a U.S.-based joint venture.