LeoLabs
Overview
LeoLabs is a leading provider in the space industry, focusing on providing critical information services to operators within the rapidly expanding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sector. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, LeoLabs offers advanced tracking of satellites and space debris through a global radar network, aiming to ensure safety and stability in the congested LEO. Founded by a team including Daniel Ceperley, the company has raised significant investment to expand its technological capabilities and market presence.
Recent Developments
- August 2024: LeoLabs secured a position as an industry leader by achieving over $20M in contracts for the first half of 2024, marking more than 100% year-over-year revenue growth. These contracts support Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) missions globally, involving the U.S. Space Force and Department of Commerce, among others.
- June 2024: LeoLabs was selected by the Department of Air Force’s innovation hub, AFWERX, to demonstrate a radar system for monitoring Very Low Earth Orbits, receiving a $1.245 million SBIR Phase II contract.
- April 2024: LeoLabs incorporated artificial intelligence to autonomously track and analyze satellite maneuvers, improving its space domain awareness capabilities.
- February 2024: The company raised an additional $29 million in funding, enhancing its AI-powered insights for space operations.
- March 2024 January 2023: LeoLabs appointed Tony Frazier as CEO, succeeding co-founder Dan Ceperley, who continues as Chief Operations Officer. This strategic leadership change aims to further scale the company's operations and market reach.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Menlo Park, California, USA |
| Founders | Daniel Ceperley (Co-Founder) |
| Revenue | Over 100% YOY growth in 2024 |
| Key Investors | Including bearings of SRI Venture |
| Industry | Space Situational Awareness |
| Number of Employees | 51-200 |
Early History
LeoLabs was founded as a venture-funded spinout of SRI International, focusing initially on using radar technology developed for ionospheric research to monitor the increasing clutter of LEO. With a patent-pending global phased-array radar network, the company quickly positioned itself to address the looming challenges of LEO, including debris accumulation and satellite collision risks. Its first major breakthrough was the establishment of the Midland Space Radar in Texas, which helped solidify its reputation as a pioneering presence in the space situational awareness market.
Company Profile and Achievements
LeoLabs provides a comprehensive suite of services including satellite tracking, collision avoidance, and mission risk assessment, primarily utilizing its global network of phased-array radars. With the successful deployment of its Kiwi Space Radar in New Zealand, the company has expanded its ability to track objects as small as 2 centimeters, significantly enhancing the management of space debris. The company’s proprietary platform, LeoLabs Vertex™, integrates these services to offer real-time insights for government and commercial space operations.
- 2017: The launch of the Midland Space Radar was a key milestone, establishing LeoLabs’ capability in operational space tracking.
- 2019: Recognition by Aviation Week Network's Annual Laureate Awards demonstrated industry acknowledgment of its innovations in space operations.
- 2022: LeoLabs expanded its operations with multiple new radar sites, marking a new era of global space coverage.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, LeoLabs is expanding its influence in the global space market, marked by a strategic emphasis on enhancing radar capabilities and data analytics. It supports key missions by the U.S. Space Force and the Department of Commerce and provides data services that cover about 75% of operational satellites in LEO. The firm's efforts to develop next-generation radar technology reflect its commitment to maintaining leadership in the SDA and STM sectors, crucial in the face of increasing satellite launches and debris risks.
Conclusion
LeoLabs plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations in LEO. Through its cutting-edge radar network and data analytic solutions, the company addresses the growing threats posed by satellite congestion and debris. Moving forward, LeoLabs is well-positioned to further enhance space traffic management capabilities, addressing both current and emerging challenges in the global space industry. With steady leadership and technological advancements, LeoLabs continues to contribute significantly to space domain awareness and security.