Booz Allen invests in Starfish Space to support satellite servicing

Booz Allen invests in Starfish Space to support satellite servicing
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 14, 2024

Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) announced that its venture capital unit, Booz Allen Ventures, LLC, has made a strategic investment in Starfish Space, a company pioneering satellite servicing technology, including life extension and end-of-life disposal services. This investment is aimed at reinforcing the sustainability and resilience of space infrastructure for both government and commercial missions. This is Booz Allen Ventures' third investment in the space sector, underscoring the growing importance of space-related missions and their diverse needs.

"As dynamic space operations become increasingly critical to the Department of Defense, NASA, the intelligence community, and commercial sectors, advancements in satellite servicing and orbital logistics are essential to protect space assets and support long-term mission success," said Chris Bogdan, executive vice president at Booz Allen and head of the firm's space division. "Strategic investments in companies like Starfish Space help drive forward critical technologies for sustainable operations, strengthening national capabilities to navigate a busier space environment."

Starfish Space, founded by former Blue Origin and NASA engineers, focuses on innovative satellite servicing solutions, such as satellite life extension and safe disposal. The company's groundbreaking autonomous servicing vehicle, Otter, offers flexible and scalable options to manage satellites and maintain space infrastructure. Notable achievements include the Otter Pup demonstration, a $37.5 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract with the U.S. Space Force, a life extension contract with Intelsat, and a debris inspection mission partnership with NASA for low Earth orbit operations.

"Booz Allen's investment will help us progress towards the first Otter launches, redefining how we operate in orbit," said Austin Link, co-founder and CEO of Starfish Space. "We are excited to collaborate with Booz Allen to meet the critical needs of space operators, supporting life extension, safe disposal, and beyond."

Booz Allen Ventures has also invested in space tech companies Albedo and Quindar this year, marking 11 total investments since the fund's 2022 launch. These investments align with Booz Allen's focus on enhancing space operations through innovation in automation, operational efficiency, and the application of AI and data analytics.

"With the growing demand for adaptable in-orbit services, new capabilities are essential for safe operations in space," said Alex Bock from Booz Allen Ventures. "Starfish Space's forward-thinking approach will be pivotal, and we're eager to work with them to advance in-space servicing."

Booz Allen's $100 million corporate venture fund has supported early-stage companies developing dual-use technologies, including investments in Latent AI, RAIC Labs (Synthetaic), Reveal Technology, Credo AI, Hidden Level, Shift5, Hidden Layer, and Second Front (2F).