OurSky and PlaneWave have joined forces in a strategic merger to form Observable Space, a new company poised to revolutionize telescope technology. This merger brings together the complementary strengths of the two space startups, aiming to simplify and enhance user experiences with state-of-the-art telescopes. Observable Space has already gained momentum, securing $11 million in funding, including investment from In-Q-Tel, the CIA's non-profit strategic investment arm. With approximately 100 employees, the company's operations span Michigan, Los Angeles, and an observatory near Washington, D.C.
The merger addresses a critical challenge in the telescope industry: the complex integration of hardware and software. By combining OurSky's advanced software platform with PlaneWave's high-quality telescopes, Observable Space aims to eliminate integration headaches that have long plagued telescope users. The company's founders, Dan Roelker and Richard Hedrick, both seasoned veterans in the space industry, recognized the potential for a powerful synergy between their respective technologies.
"We had to decide on whether [the company] was going to be Star Wars or Star Trek." – Hedrick
The decision to merge was a natural fit given the companies' distinct yet complementary focuses. OurSky has specialized in software to locate and track objects orbiting Earth, communicate with spacecraft, and support defense and intelligence applications. Meanwhile, PlaneWave is renowned for its telescopes, used by prestigious institutions such as NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and Georgia State's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy.
The merger process itself proved invaluable for both companies. Roelker noted that navigating the complexities of merging helped reveal potential challenges and fostered a sense of teamwork that would be crucial for their future endeavors.
"Going through the merger process itself was actually really valuable, because when you’re going through it, a lot of issues pop up," – Roelker
"You actually get a really good sense of how you’re going to work together. And I think both Rick and I felt really good about that, because we actually went through some really hard things during the merger." – Roelker
Observable Space is already generating revenue and is set to capitalize on the growing demand for space-related services and products. As the cost of reaching orbit declines, opportunities abound for innovation in this sector. The company is well-positioned in the burgeoning space economy, driven by its innovative technology and strategic leadership.
"Many of the world’s most valuable companies, like Apple, Nvidia – they’re hardware/software platform combos," – Noone
The merger's success is evident in Observable Space's rapid accomplishments. One notable achievement featured the teams quickly locating a lost spacecraft utilizing OurSky's software and PlaneWave's telescopes. Such feats underscore the potential for their integrated technology to transform the industry.
The combined expertise of OurSky and PlaneWave allows Observable Space to target a broader audience by making telescopes more user-friendly and accessible. The company's vision aligns with Hedrick's dream of integrating all components on the telescope—even those not manufactured by them—and streamlining control systems.
"My dream was to integrate all the components on the telescope, even the parts we don’t sell, and then integrate the control of the telescope," – Hedrick
Both companies recognized the merger as an obvious step towards achieving their shared goals. Hedrick emphasized the natural synergy between OurSky and PlaneWave.
"It was very obvious for us to be working together." – Hedrick
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