Austin Link
Austin Link is currently Co-Founder and Executive Officer at Starfish Space, a startup focused on autonomy and robotics for satellite servicing and space debris disposal. He has expertise in aerospace engineering, with previous roles at Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, and Team Rankings, LLC.
Starfish Space to Launch 660‑lb Otter on SpaceX Transporter‑18 Oct. 1 for NASA’s $15M SSPICY Satellite‑Inspection Mission
Starfish Space will launch its full-size Otter on SpaceX's Transporter-18 no earlier than Oct. 1 from Vandenberg to demonstrate close-up inspection of inoperable satellites for NASA’s $15 million SSPICY mission; the 660-pound vehicle follows two prototype tests and will approach selected decommissioned satellites after commissioning. The company says Otter is built, has a customer and mission, and insights will inform future servicing operations.
Starfish Space to Demonstrate Autonomous Docking with Australian Gilmour Space ElaraSat Nearly One Year After Launch
Starfish Space is preparing its Otter Pup 2 satellite for an autonomous docking demonstration with Australia's Gilmour Space ElaraSat, nearly a year after their joint launch. This mission aims to test technologies for Starfish's full-scale Otter spacecraft designed for satellite servicing and disposal.
Starfish Space Raises $110M Series B to Fund Satellite Servicing Missions and Scale Operations
Starfish Space raised $110 million in a Series B funding round led by Point72 Ventures to support its first satellite servicing missions and scale operations. Founded by Blue Origin veterans, the company developed the Otter vehicle for on-orbit satellite servicing and has conducted technology demonstrations and tests.
Starfish Space Secures $29M to Launch Otter Orbital Servicing Vehicles for U.S. Space Force, NASA, and Intelsat
Starfish Space raised $29 million led by Shield Capital to develop its first three Otter orbital servicing vehicles aimed at servicing satellites for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and Intelsat. The funding will enable launching the Otters, which use innovative docking technologies to inspect, service, and safely dispose of satellites in orbit.
Starfish Space Raises Nearly $21M to Advance Otter Spacecraft for Satellite Servicing Contracts with U.S. Space Force, Intelsat, and NASA
Starfish Space has raised nearly $21 million in a new funding round as it prepares its Otter spacecraft for satellite inspection and servicing missions, including contracts with the U.S. Space Force, Intelsat, and NASA. The company plans to begin on-orbit life extension and inspection missions starting in 2026 and 2027.
Starfish Space Wins $15 Million NASA Contract for 2027 Satellite Inspection Mission
Starfish Space has been awarded a $15 million NASA contract for a three-year mission using its Otter spacecraft to inspect defunct satellites in orbit starting in 2027. This mission aims to advance satellite servicing and orbital debris mitigation as part of NASA's Space Sustainability Strategy.
Starfish Space Wins $37.5M U.S. Space Force Contract After Successful Otter Pup Satellite Rendezvous Test
Starfish Space successfully completed a satellite rendezvous with its Otter Pup spacecraft despite thruster failure, leading to a $37.5 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for further rendezvous and docking technology development.
Starfish Space's Otter Pup Satellite Spins After June 12 Anomaly on Launcher Orbiter SN3 During Docking Test
Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite embarked on a June 12 rideshare mission but was spun uncontrollably following an anomaly with its mothership, Launcher’s Orbiter SN3. Emergency deployment allowed Otter Pup to remain operational and communicate, though its planned docking maneuvers were disrupted.
Starfish Space Raises $7M to Develop Otter Space Tug for Satellite Servicing and Disposal
Starfish Space, founded by ex-Blue Origin veterans, raised $7 million in seed funding to develop the Otter space tug for moving and safely disposing of satellites in orbit. Their technology aims to extend satellite lifespans and address space debris challenges with novel hardware and software currently undergoing on-orbit tests.
Blue Origin Alumni Launch Startups: Relativity Prepares Terran Launch as Co-founder Jordan Noone Steps Back; Stoke Space Wins $225K NSF Grant
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos 20 years ago, has spawned a wave of space startups led by its alumni, including Relativity Space and Stoke Space. Relativity is preparing a Terran rocket launch and undergoing leadership change as co-founder Jordan Noone steps back, while Stoke Space in Renton is developing reusable upper-stage propulsion with a $225,000 NSF SBIR grant.
Organizations
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Starfish Space Executive Officer, Director, Promoter 2021–present, Co-Founder 2019–present · current
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Starfish Space Co-founder · current
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Starfish Space Co-founder · current
Education
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Purdue University Master's degree, Aerospace Engineering · 2012–2014
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Stanford University Bachelor of Science (BS), Physics · 2008–2012
