OurSky, an innovative startup established in 2022, aims to increase the availability of space observation data through a cutting-edge software platform and a worldwide array of telescopes. The company recently completed a seed funding round, which yielded substantial proceeds. Upfront Ventures spearheaded the round, with Oceans Ventures, Venrex Investment Management, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures also taking part. The funds raised will be used to expedite the installation of telescopes and the development of the software platform. Following this successful investment round, OurSky envisions an estimated network growth that will enable scientists, researchers, and commercial organizations to access a vast amount of astronomical data faster and more efficiently than ever before. The collaboration of the investors demonstrates the burgeoning interest in space exploration and observation, further propelling OurSky to transform the field with its groundbreaking platform.

Founders and objectives

Seasoned tech entrepreneurs Dan Roelker, CEO, and co-founder Alex Hawkinson identified a pressing need for a platform capable of accessing and examining real-time data about space objects. OurSky can be compared to AWS for developers working with space data. The startup aims to simplify and reduce costs for obtaining and processing space data by offering development tools and open APIs, catering to a wide range of clients, from satellite operators to space situational awareness startups. By offering these services, OurSky intends to democratize access to vital space data and streamline the process for developers for a more efficient and agile workflow. This, in turn, may lead to an increasing number of innovative applications and solutions in the space industry, further fueling growth and technological advancements.

Building the largest telescope network

Presently, OurSky is working on building the world’s largest telescope network, which includes three main sources: its telescopes; professional amateur community scopes; and larger amateur community scopes. The startup currently owns 30 telescopes in nine different locations worldwide and has incorporated around 35 amateur astronomers into its network. As the network continues to expand, OurSky aims to make real-time space observation accessible to enthusiasts, researchers, and educational institutions around the globe. By combining resources from both professional and amateur sources, the company strives to create a truly collaborative and diverse platform for astronomical exploration.

Integration with existing infrastructures

By integrating with existing infrastructures, OurSky plans to create a unified network that reduces maintenance expenses typically associated with owning and operating telescopes. This will allow researchers and astronomers to access a wider range of data with ease, while also streamlining the sharing of observations among institutions worldwide. In turn, this could lead to more efficient collaboration in the scientific community and potentially accelerate the pace of discovery in the field of astronomy.

Expanding software platform capabilities

With the newly acquired capital, the startup is eager to broaden its software platform, offering support for various sectors such as research, commercial, defense, and consumer applications related to space observation. This expansion would enable the company to reach a wider audience, allowing entities from different industries to benefit from the critical data obtained through space-based platforms. Moreover, the startup’s enhanced software capabilities would enable better decision-making and uncover insightful trends in diverse application areas, fostering innovation and growth in numerous fields.

Workforce growth and diversification

Employing a team of 15 people, OurSky expects to grow its workforce to 20 within the next half-year. With a focus on expanding their capabilities and services, this growth will enhance the company’s ability to cater to its increasing clientele demands. The additional team members will bring diverse skill sets to OurSky, further solidifying the firm’s position as a leader in the industry.

Financial strategy and market responsiveness

The team is dedicated to mindful capital allocation and staying responsive to market shifts in the coming years. They aim to strategically invest in opportunities that foster growth and drive long-term value for their stakeholders. Additionally, by continuously monitoring market trends and adapting to changes, they ensure sustainable financial success in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

First Reported on: techcrunch.com

FAQ

1. What is OurSky?

OurSky is an innovative startup established in 2022 that aims to increase the availability of space observation data through a cutting-edge software platform and a worldwide array of telescopes.

2. Who are the founders of OurSky?

OurSky was founded by seasoned tech entrepreneurs Dan Roelker, CEO, and co-founder Alex Hawkinson.

3. What is the objective of OurSky?

The startup aims to simplify and reduce costs for obtaining and processing space data by offering development tools and open APIs, catering to a wide range of clients from satellite operators to space situational awareness startups.

4. How is OurSky building the largest telescope network?

OurSky is working on building the world’s largest telescope network, which includes three main sources: its telescopes; professional amateur community scopes; and larger amateur community scopes. The startup currently owns 30 telescopes in nine different locations worldwide and has incorporated around 35 amateur astronomers into its network.

5. How does OurSky plan to integrate with existing infrastructures?

OurSky plans to create a unified network by integrating with existing infrastructures, reducing maintenance expenses typically associated with owning and operating telescopes. This will allow researchers and astronomers to access a wider range of data with ease, while also streamlining the sharing of observations among institutions worldwide.

6. How will OurSky expand its software platform capabilities?

OurSky intends to broaden its software platform, offering support for various sectors such as research, commercial, defense, and consumer applications related to space observation. This expansion will enable the company to reach a wider audience and allow entities from different industries to benefit from the critical data obtained through space-based platforms.

7. What are OurSky’s plans for workforce growth and diversification?

Employing a team of 15 people, OurSky expects to grow its workforce to 20 within the next half-year. This growth will enhance the company’s ability to cater to its increasing clientele demands and bring diverse skill sets to OurSky, further solidifying the firm’s position as a leader in the industry.

8. What is OurSky’s financial strategy and approach to market responsiveness?

OurSky is dedicated to mindful capital allocation and staying responsive to market shifts in the coming years. They aim to strategically invest in opportunities that foster growth and drive long-term value for their stakeholders. Additionally, they will continuously monitor market trends and adapt to changes, ensuring sustainable financial success in an ever-evolving economic landscape.