Observable Space has secured $90 million in Series A funding to expand production of its laser communications and optical sensing technologies while accelerating international growth plans.
The funding round was led by Lux Capital and co-led by Upfront Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, Island Green Capital and RTX Ventures. Additional participation came from BRV Capital Management and Fathom Fund.
The company was formed in February 2025 through the merger of PlaneWave Instruments and OurSky. The combination created a vertically integrated business focused on delivering real-time orbital intelligence by combining space hardware, optical sensors and software platforms.
Observable Space develops and manufactures laser communications ground stations, ground-based sensing systems and in-space optical payloads from facilities in Los Angeles and Michigan. The company said the new capital will support expanded manufacturing operations in Detroit and help drive its international expansion strategy, although specific target markets were not disclosed.
“The companies and nations that precisely track objects, navigate spacecraft, and communicate terabits per second will define the next era of the space economy,” CEO and co-founder Dan Roelker said. “At Observable Space, we’re building the vertically integrated systems right now that makes this possible.”
The funding announcement comes as the company secured an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the United States Space Force worth up to $94 million through the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. The initiative aims to strengthen satellite-tracking capabilities using ground-based optical telescope systems.
Observable Space has already received $22 million in initial task orders under the contract.
The company is also preparing for the first orbital deployment of its Iguana in-space imaging system later this year aboard a satellite platform developed by Apex Space. The compact payload is designed to support space domain awareness and rendezvous and proximity operations missions, with the company targeting rapid deployment timelines for commercial and government customers.
The investment reflects growing demand for advanced space infrastructure as governments and commercial operators seek improved capabilities for satellite communications, orbital monitoring and space situational awareness.
