Observable Space has raised $90 million in its debut funding round to develop laser-based satellite communications technology. The Adrian, Michigan-based company aims to help satellites and potential orbiting data centres transmit information to and from Earth. The round was led by Lux Capital and co-led by Upfront Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, Island Green Capital and RTX Ventures, with participation from BRV Capital and Fathom Fund. The company also announced a $94 million contract with the US Space Force to expand its fleet of ground-based optical telescopes for satellite tracking. The deal forms part of the Pentagon's broader initiative to enhance space surveillance capabilities.

Kenneth Van Zuiden was hired as a telescope assembly technician for Observable Space. [Download print-quality image]. Just Hired: Kenneth Van Zuiden. December 18, 2025. Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation. MACOMB, IL - - Meet Kenneth Van Zuiden, a graduate of Western Illinois University's Physics program, who was hired as a telescope assembly technician for Observable Space, a company that makes large production scale telescopes and related equipment. Van Zuiden found the role on Handshake when he decided to apply. He decided to reach out to their HR department to ask questions about the company to see if it was a good fit for him to go through the application process. Van Zuiden went through three interviews which included some of the founders of the company. Although he was not selected for the job he applied for (Optical Test Engineer), the hiring committee were still impressed with what he brought to the table and offered him a role as a telescope assembly technician. During Van Zuiden's time at WIU, he learned a lot of analytical skills that helped towards his physics degree. He also credited Professor Esteban Araya's, in which he learned a lot about telescopes and astronomy in his Astrophysics research class. VanZuiden plans to stay connected with WIU by keeping up with the Physics Colloquium and through the possibility of finding work within the department sometime in the future. To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw. To learn more about WIU's Physics program, visit wiu.edu/cas/physics.

Local business recognized at 2025 Michigan Manufacturers Association Awards. PlaneWave/Observable Space were recognized at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards event on Thursday, November 20, with the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year - Small Tier Award. The celebration and recognition, hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association, "shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that shape our economy and improve our daily lives." PlaneWave/Observable Space also won their second, "Coolest Thing Made in Michigan" recognition for the PF1000 Prime Focus System. "100% Designed and built in Michigan, the PF1000 System is the world's first tactically deployable, wide field space observation platform. Uniquely, no building required! Powering military, satellite operators, and researchers around the globe. Can be fixed or trailer mounted. Innovative high-speed, fully weatherized enclosure. Industry-leading advanced optics and gearless drive system."