Title: “Stargazing Revolution: The Fusion of Two Space Startups to Forge a New Era of Telescopes”
Article:
In a picturesque spring evening in Michigan, the cosmos unveiled a surprising alignment that caught Upfront Ventures partner Nick Kim off guard. Fresh off orchestrating a $9.5 million seed round for OurSky, a cutting-edge platform for space data, Kim found himself in anticipation of witnessing the capabilities of the telescope partner, PlaneWave Instruments.
As the telescopes were unveiled at PlaneWave’s manufacturing facility, Kim was met with unforeseen delays. The team took hours to capture the first image, utilizing a patchwork of off-the-shelf software. Rather than frustration, Kim felt exhilaration at the prospect of addressing this critical issue. This pivotal moment led to the birth of Observable Space, a fusion of OurSky and PlaneWave, aimed at revolutionizing telescope technology.
Dan Roelker, founder of OurSky, and Richard Hedrick, founder of PlaneWave, envision a seamless integration that simplifies telescope usage and unlocks new opportunities. The merger promises to eliminate integration complexities and expand the market, leveraging their unique U.S.-based position in telescope manufacturing.
With the goal of making high-quality telescopes more accessible and affordable, the collaboration of OurSky and PlaneWave under Observable Space heralds a new dawn for enthusiasts and institutions alike. The potential for growth lies in innovations such as multi-telescope connections and cost-effective space communications via laser technology.
Observable Space stands poised to play a vital role in the evolving space economy, catering to the rising demand for satellite tracking, communication, and defense applications. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on space infrastructure, the significance of Observable Space’s contributions cannot be overstated.
With a workforce of around 100 employees spread across multiple locations, Observable Space has already begun generating revenue and secured $11 million in funding. The harmonious merger of the two companies, driven by a shared vision and focused approach, promises a bright future ahead.
As Roelker and Hedrick reflect on the merger process, characterized by challenges and growth, they humorously contemplate whether Observable Space aligns more with “Star Wars” or “Star Trek.” Ultimately, the answer lies in a twist, embodying their innovative spirit – “Battlestar Galactica.”
This melding of minds, technologies, and ambitions sets the stage for a galactic transformation in the realm of telescopes, marking the beginning of a new era of exploration and discovery.
