Observable Space Raises $90M, Secures Space Contract

Observable Space announced it has raised $90 million in Series A funding, with Lux Capital leading the investment. This capital infusion is designated for the development of advanced laser communications and in-space optical systems, alongside expanding international collaborations.

The company also secured an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Space Force, potentially worth up to $94 million. This contract is specifically for optical systems, with an initial $22 million allocated for task orders. The Space Force intends to use these systems for enhanced space domain awareness.

Observable Space's technology is applied to various sectors, including broadband communications, space domain awareness, and astronomy. The company's optical systems are manufactured in Adrian, Michigan, with plans for a new facility in Detroit, while its spacecraft, engineering, and design labs are located in Los Angeles.

In a demonstration during the Artemis 2 mission, the company's ground station in Australia achieved high data rates using laser communications. Future applications include its Iguana imager, which will fly on a spacecraft later this year. Additionally, Observable Space will produce 1,200 small telescopes for the Argus Array observatory.