Observable Space has secured $90 million in Series A funding to expand production of its optical and laser-based space systems, while also supporting international growth beyond the United States.
The funding round was led by Lux Capital and co-led by Upfront Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, Island Green Capital and RTX Ventures. BRV Capital Management and Fathom Fund also participated in the investment.
Building an Integrated Space Infrastructure Business
Observable Space was established in February 2025 through the merger of telescope manufacturer PlaneWave Instruments and space-data company OurSky.
The combined company aims to provide real-time orbital awareness services by integrating hardware and software into a single platform.
Observable Space currently develops technologies in three primary areas:
- Laser communication ground stations
- Ground-based sensing systems
- In-space optical payloads
The company operates manufacturing and development facilities in Los Angeles, California, and Michigan.
Manufacturing Expansion Planned
The new funding will be used to expand production capabilities, with a particular focus on increasing manufacturing capacity in Detroit.
Observable Space also plans to pursue international expansion, although the company has not disclosed specific markets or regions targeted for future growth.
“The companies and nations that precisely track objects, navigate spacecraft, and communicate terabits per second will define the next era of the space economy,” said Dan Roelker, chief executive officer and co-founder of Observable Space.
“At Observable Space, we’re building the vertically integrated systems right now that makes this possible.”
Space Force Contract Award
Alongside the funding announcement, Observable Space disclosed that it has secured an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Space Force valued at up to $94 million.
The contract is part of the military’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program, which is intended to strengthen satellite-tracking and space domain awareness capabilities.
The company has already been awarded $22 million in initial task orders under the agreement.
Preparing for First Orbital Mission
Observable Space is also preparing to deploy its Iguana in-space imaging system for the first time later this year.
The payload will fly aboard a satellite bus supplied by Apex Space.
According to the company, the compact optical system is designed to support space domain awareness (SDA) and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) missions by providing detailed observations of spacecraft operating in orbit.
The latest funding round highlights growing investor interest in technologies that support satellite tracking, orbital communications and space situational awareness as commercial and government activity in orbit continues to expand.
