NASA describes SSPICY mission for autonomous orbital inspections
The October 8 mission report outlines an Otter spacecraft’s planned close inspections of retired U.S.space objects.
What the record says
NASA says the SSPICY technology-demonstration mission launched October 1 and plans to approach up to four inoperable U.S.origin objects in low Earth orbit. The Starfish Space Otter spacecraft is expected to begin inspections in early 2027, gathering spin, orientation and surface information with autonomous navigation.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Follow NASA’s mission updates for results of the planned tests.
Limits and what is not established
The spacecraft will inspect rather than touch or dock with targets. Future repair and debris-removal applications remain prospective; these inspections have not yet been reported as completed.
Sources checked October 12, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.