Business Wire

VA-INTELSAT

26.6.2024 17:01:35 CEST | Business Wire | Press release

Share
Intelsat, Starfish Space Reach Deal for Satellite Servicing Mission

Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, signed a contract for a Starfish Otter servicing vehicle to provide life extension services to an Intelsat geostationary satellite, beginning in 2026. This landmark agreement reinforces Intelsat’s commitment to utilizing satellite servicing technologies to maximize the value its satellites can provide to customers and will mark Starfish’s first mission to provide services to a commercial satellite operator with Otter.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240626723807/en/

To view this piece of content from mms.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

Starting in 2026, Starfish Space’s Otter will dock with a retired Intelsat satellite during a checkout campaign before maneuvering to dock with and service one of Intelsat’s operational satellites. (Courtesy: Starfish Space).

“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 of extending satellite missions, signing its first agreement for satellite life extension in 2016, and procuring multiple additional life extension missions in recent years. The contract between Intelsat and Starfish represents a significant step for both companies, expanding the market for satellite servicing, and pushing the industry towards a new paradigm for satellite operations. With its Otter spacecraft, Starfish Space utilizes a small satellite architecture and breakthrough hardware and software technologies to provide rapid, flexible, and cost-effective on-orbit servicing missions for satellites.

Starfish will begin its first servicing mission for Intelsat in 2026. Initially, Otter will dock with and maneuver a retired Intelsat satellite in geostationary graveyard orbit. Following this initial operation, Otter will proceed to dock with and provide life extension service to an operational Intelsat satellite, using its onboard propulsion system to keep the client satellite in operational orbit for additional years of life.

“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.”

About Intelsat

Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation worldwide network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.

About Starfish Space

Starfish Space is developing the Otter servicing vehicle to extend the lives of satellites in geostationary orbit and dispose of space debris in low-Earth orbit. Starfish has secured contracts for its first Otter missions with Intelsat and the U.S. Space Force, two of the largest global satellite operators. The company launched its Otter Pup demonstration mission in June 2023 and is now delivering on several satellite RPOD missions including its Otter mission for Intelsat. For more information, please visit starfishspace.com.

To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240626723807/en/

About Business Wire

Business Wire
Business Wire
101 California Street, 20th Floor
CA 94111 San Francisco

http://businesswire.com
DK

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

Mary Kay Extends Winning Streak With Fourth Year as #1 in Global Direct Selling Beauty23.6.2026 14:03:00 CEST | Press release

Euromonitor International Recognizes Mary Kay’s Sustained Leadership In Skin Care And Color Cosmetics Mary Kay Inc., the iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company, has once again been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World1 by Euromonitor International, sustaining its legacy of excellence for the fourth consecutive year. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623487381/en/ Mary Kay Inc., the iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company, for the fourth year in a row has been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International. (Image Credit: Mary Kay Inc.) “Earning the #1 global ranking from Euromonitor for the fourth consecutive year comes as a powerful endorsement of the impact of our Independent Beauty Consultants around the world who drive our success every day,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay

Kobie 2026 Heart of Loyalty Report Reveals Growing Gap Between Consumer Expectations and Brand Loyalty Strategies23.6.2026 14:00:00 CEST | Press release

Global study finds consumers are more ready for AI, more willing to share data, and more motivated by recognition and shared values than many brands realize Kobie, a global leader in loyalty technology and services, today released its 2026 Heart of Loyalty Report, which surveyed both consumers and practitioners, revealing significant gaps between consumer expectations and brand loyalty strategies across AI adoption, data sharing, recognition, advocacy, and community engagement. Kobie's 2026 Heart of Loyalty Report found that: 57% of consumers are willing to engage with AI-powered brand experiences, yet 56% of loyalty practitioners believe customers are not ready for AI. 77% of consumers want recognition from brands, but only 55% feel seen as individuals. 72% of consumers say they would refer a brand without an incentive, yet many referral strategies remain heavily dependent on rewards. Rewards are the strongest driver of willingness to share personal data, yet only 65% of practitioners

Veristat Strengthens Biostatistics, Drug Development Advisory, and People Leadership to Support Growth in Complex Clinical Development23.6.2026 13:05:00 CEST | Press release

Dr. Zhaohui Su and Dr. Gil Fine deepen Veristat’s biostatistics expertise, Scott Tarrant leads Strategic Drug Development Advisory, and Clint Wolfe joins as Chief Human Resources Officer VeristatTM, a global clinical research organization (CRO) and consultancy specializing in complex studies, today announced four strategic leadership hires that advance its mission to accelerate novel therapy approvals in complex disease areas, including cell and gene therapy, oncology, and rare disease. Building on its 30-year foundation in biostatistics and its recent acquisition of the medical writing and regulatory submission business of Certara, Veristat is deepening its scientific expertise and expanding its operational leadership to meet growing client demand. Dr. Zhaohui Su and Dr. Gil Fine join Veristat’s Strategic Drug Development Advisory team in biostatistical leadership roles, collaborating with Scott Tarrant, who has been named Executive Vice President of the team. In addition, Clint Wolfe

Bacardi Takes Full Ownership of TEELING® Irish Whiskey23.6.2026 13:00:00 CEST | Press release

Irish whiskey brand joins family-owned company’s portfolio of premium brands Bacardi Limited has announced the completion of a transaction that makes the family-owned company the sole owner of the Teeling Whiskey Company and the TEELING® Irish whiskey brand. Founders Jack and Stephen Teeling will remain a part of the brand, shaping its future and driving growth for the long term as strategic advisors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623858211/en/ Three expressions of Teeling Irish Whiskey: Single Grain, Small Batch and Single Malt Today’s announcement follows the successful relationship the two companies have enjoyed since Bacardi acquired a minority stake in the Dublin-based whiskey company in 2017. Bacardi subsequently increased its stake to become the majority shareholder in 2022. “TEELING is the perfect fit for Bacardi,” says Mahesh Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer, Bacardi Limited. “The brand stands f

Bending Spoons S.p.A. announces launch of initial public offering23.6.2026 12:15:00 CEST | Press release

Bending Spoons S.p.A. (“Bending Spoons”), a leading technology company, today announces the launch of its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of its ordinary shares. A total of 57,971,015 ordinary shares are being offered, of which 34,398,640 are being offered by Bending Spoons and 23,572,375 are being offered by certain selling shareholders (the “Selling Shareholders”). In connection with the offering, Bending Spoons and the Selling Shareholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 5,244,026 ordinary shares from Bending Spoons and an additional 3,451,626 ordinary shares from the Selling Shareholders at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The IPO price is currently estimated to be between $26.00 and $28.00 per share. Bending Spoons has applied to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “BSP.” Goldman Sachs International, J.P. Morgan, and Allen & Company LLC are acting as joint l

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye