Observable Space is a space technology company created in February 2025 through the merger of PlaneWave Instruments, a telescope manufacturer, and OurSky, a space data software platform. The company vertically integrates software and hardware to enhance space observation capabilities, offering solutions for real-time data and analysis. Observable Space aims to make space observation more accessible across commercial, scientific, educational, governmental, and enthusiast sectors. The company is based in Los Angeles and maintains a manufacturing and optics research campus in Adrian, Michigan, and an observatory outside Washington, D.C.
The leadership team includes Dan Roelker, Co-Founder & CEO (formerly of SpaceX), and Richard Hedrick, Co-Founder & President (formerly CEO of PlaneWave Instruments). Observable Space has secured $11 million in funding from investors including Upfront Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Venrex Investment Management, Oceans Ventures, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures. The company serves a diverse customer base, including NASA, U.S. Space Force, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and various universities. Observable Space is developing software-defined telescopes and building a large telescope network to reduce the costs and complexities of traditional space data acquisition.
