Emerging
Jun 22, 20261
60%
Former Hacker Dan Roelker Launches Observable Space to Harness Light Technology
Dan Roelker, a former hacker and SpaceX software executive, has cofounded Observable Space in 2025 to develop advanced telescopes and optical systems for space applications. Roelker believes that controlling light technology—from satellite tracking to space-to-ground data transmission—will determine winners in the next space race.


Quick Facts
Who
Dan Roelker
What
Cofounded Observable Space
When
2025 (Observable Space founded)
Where
Bluemont, Virginia
- Cofounded Observable Space
- Developing telescopes and advanced optics
- Building software for optical systems
- Discussing light-based space technology applications
- Dan Roelker
BLUEMONT, Va.—Dan Roelker, a 48-year-old entrepreneur with an unconventional career trajectory, is now focused on controlling and collecting light through advanced optics and telescopes. Speaking from an overlook in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, Roelker articulated his philosophy: "If you can control light, you can control space. So it's basically a race for who is collecting the most light."
Roelker's path to this venture is marked by dramatic shifts in focus and industry. He began as a hacker, transitioned into video game coding, served as head of software development at SpaceX, explored cryptocurrency and NFTs, and has now pivoted to building telescopes and advanced optics while developing the software to operate them. Despite coming from a working-class background in Pennsylvania—his parents did not attend college and his father died during his youth—Roelker attended a private university in Maryland where he studied mathematics and philosophy.
The technological landscape Roelker is addressing spans multiple applications of light-based systems. Historically, humans have observed distant stars and galaxies to understand the universe, later developing telescopes for deeper astronomical observations. As space exploration advanced, celestial light became crucial for navigation. In recent years, telescopes have been deployed to track the growing number of satellites in orbit to prevent collisions. Contemporary applications now include using laser light to increase data transmission from space, a capability increasingly important with the emergence of orbital data centers.
In 2025, Roelker cofounded Observable Space to pursue these technological opportunities. He frames the emerging competition as fundamentally different from previous space races. "The new space race is going to be on the ground," he stated, suggesting that future dominance will belong to those who can most effectively harness light in innovative ways. His vision positions ground-based optical technology as central to the next phase of space industry competition.
Why This Matters
Observable Space represents a fundamental shift in space industry strategy from competing in orbit to controlling the ground-based optical infrastructure that enables modern space operations. As orbital congestion increases and data transmission becomes critical to space economics, companies that master light-based technologies will gain decisive competitive advantages in satellite tracking, collision avoidance, and high-bandwidth space-to-ground communications. This positions optical technology as a key enabling layer for the next generation of space commerce and infrastructure.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2025
WireCofounds Observable Space to develop optical and telescope technology
Jun 22, 2026
WireArs Technica publishes profile article featuring Roelker discussing Observable Space and light-control technology