OurSky Company Profile

Background

OurSky, established in 2022, is a Los Angeles-based technology company dedicated to democratizing access to space observational data. Co-founded by CEO Dan Roelker, formerly Vice President of Software Engineering at SpaceX, and Alex Hawkinson, founder of SmartThings, OurSky's mission is to provide real-time observational data and analysis of objects and activities in space through its innovative software platform and a globally distributed network of telescopes.

Key Strategic Focus

OurSky's strategic focus centers on:

Developer Platform for Space Data: Offering an open, community-driven platform that enables developers to build advanced applications for space domain awareness, scientific research, and commercial space mission management.

Global Telescope Network: Coordinating a vast array of directly-owned, partner, and amateur telescopes to provide real-time, high-precision tracking of satellites, debris, and other celestial objects.

Open-Source Integration: Actively contributing to open-source astronomy communities by integrating with tools like NINA, thereby fostering innovation and enabling collaborative scientific efforts.

Financials and Funding

In December 2023, OurSky secured $9.5 million in seed funding led by Upfront Ventures and Venrex Investment Management, with participation from Oceans Ventures, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures. This capital is earmarked for accelerating the deployment of telescopes and enhancing the developer platform to meet the growing demand for accessible space data.

Technological Platform and Innovation

OurSky distinguishes itself through several proprietary technologies and methodologies:

Globally Distributed Telescope Network: Operating over 40 telescopes across 20 locations, enabling continuous, real-time observations with sub-arcsecond precision across various orbital regimes.

On-Demand Data Acquisition: Allowing users to specify observation parameters or rely on the platform's automated target capture capabilities.

Serverless Data Pipelines: Providing analysis primitives and secure, isolated runtimes for data processing without the need for server management.

Edge Compute & Data Processing: Utilizing edge computing to reduce event latency and optimize data storage and processing.

Leadership Team

Dan Roelker: Co-founder & CEO. Formerly VP of Software Engineering at SpaceX, bringing extensive experience in aerospace software development.

Alex Hawkinson: Co-founder. Founder of SmartThings, with a background in developing consumer-focused technology platforms.

Connor Poole: CTO. Leads the technical strategy and development of OurSky's platform.

Richard Hedrick: Co-founder & President. Formerly CEO of PlaneWave Instruments, contributing expertise in telescope manufacturing and optical engineering.

Leadership Changes

In February 2025, OurSky merged with PlaneWave Instruments to form Observable Space. This strategic move integrated OurSky's software capabilities with PlaneWave's hardware expertise, enhancing the company's ability to provide comprehensive space observation solutions.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The space observation and data analytics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased satellite deployments, commercial space activities, and the need for space situational awareness. The demand for real-time, accessible space data is escalating, presenting opportunities for companies like OurSky to offer innovative solutions.

Competitor Analysis

LeoLabs: Specializes in space situational awareness services, providing tracking and collision avoidance data for satellites. Focuses on radar-based observations and data analytics.

ExoAnalytic Solutions: Offers space domain awareness services through a global network of optical telescopes, emphasizing real-time tracking and monitoring of space objects.

Slingshot Aerospace: Develops AI-driven space simulation and analytics tools, aiming to enhance decision-making for satellite operators and defense organizations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

OurSky has established significant collaborations to strengthen its market position:

Integration with NINA: Partnered with the open-source astrophotography tool NINA, enabling over 50,000 users to access real-time processing of their images and contribute to citizen science initiatives.

Merger with PlaneWave Instruments: Combined forces to create Observable Space, integrating software and hardware solutions to address complex challenges in space observation.

Operational Insights

OurSky's strategic considerations include:

Vertical Integration: The merger with PlaneWave Instruments allows for a seamless combination of software and hardware, providing end-to-end solutions for space observation needs.

Scalability: The global telescope network and developer platform are designed to scale efficiently, accommodating the growing demand for space data across various sectors.

Community Engagement: By contributing to open-source projects and engaging with amateur astronomers, OurSky fosters a collaborative environment that enhances innovation and data collection capabilities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, OurSky aims to:

Expand Telescope Network: Continue growing the global array of telescopes to enhance coverage and data availability.

Enhance AI Capabilities: Integrate advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to improve data analysis and predictive modeling.

Diversify Applications: Develop solutions tailored to emerging needs in satellite operations, national defense, scientific research, and commercial space ventures.