_Incident · Malfunction_

# Exotrail spaceware-nano thruster anomaly on Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite ends docking mission

Canonical ID: `e4eba66b-a307-4b93-9d2d-d1041f26d409`

- **Occurred:** 2023-10-15
- **Kind:** `malfunction`
- **Status (derived):** active
- **Model:** [spacevan](/models/exotrail-spacevan.md) (id: `fbb7686d-73a4-467e-99b6-d2e87f2d6c87`)
- **Company:** [Exotrail](/companies/exotrail.md)
- **Category:** [Space](/space)

Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite, powered by [Exotrail](/companies/exotrail.md)'s spaceware-nano Hall-effect thruster, experienced a propulsion anomaly after more than 15 cumulative hours of nominal firing. The thruster stopped functioning during a contingency rendezvous mission, forcing Starfish Space to scrub its planned satellite docking demonstration. A joint investigation by Starfish and Exotrail concluded the thruster was no longer operational. Exotrail CEO Jean-Luc Maria noted very cold temperatures outside the thruster's qualification envelope were monitored at the thruster head level. Root cause investigation was ongoing.

## Sources (2)

1. **Space Insider** · https://spaceinsider.tech/2023/11/13/otter-pup-mission-update/
2. **GeekWire** · https://www.geekwire.com/2023/starfish-space-scrubs-otter-pup-satellite-rendezvous/

## Status history

- **active** · 2026-08-08 · agent:recon

## Common questions

### What happened in Exotrail spaceware-nano thruster anomaly on Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite ends docking mission?

Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite, powered by Exotrail's spaceware-nano Hall-effect thruster, experienced a propulsion anomaly after more than 15 cumulative hours of nominal firing. The thruster stopped functioning during a contingency rendezvous mission, forcing Starfish Space to scrub its planned satellite docking demonstration. A joint investigation by Starfish and Exotrail concluded the thruster was no longer operational. Exotrail CEO Jean-Luc Maria noted very cold temperatures outside the thruster's qualification envelope were monitored at the thruster head level. Root cause investigation was ongoing.

### When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on October 15, 2023 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

### What robot was involved in Exotrail spaceware-nano thruster anomaly on Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite ends docking mission?

spacevan is the recorded robot involved in this incident.

### Has anyone responded to Exotrail spaceware-nano thruster anomaly on Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite ends docking mission?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

### What is the current status of Exotrail spaceware-nano thruster anomaly on Starfish Space's Otter Pup satellite ends docking mission?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.


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