Observable Space - 2025 Manufacturer of the Year (Small Tier)
This article will appear in the August 2026 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Find past issues online.
Outstanding technology, wise business decisions, an innovative team and solid relationships have made Adrian-based Observable Space a phenomenal force.
Observable Space has created not just one but two of the Coolest Things Made in Michigan — the PF1000 Prime Focus System in 2025, as well as the PW1000 Observatory System in 2022 — and other high-power telescopes, optical networks, motors, observation platforms and in-space hardware. At the same time, it has also turned its campus into a welcoming hub for the community.
Because of the significant impact the business has made on the manufacturing industry, the state’s business economy, the community and the field of science, Observable Space has been named the 2025 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier.
Leading the Way in Space Observation
Formerly known as PlaneWave Instruments, the business merged with the Los Angeles-based OurSky software company in February 2025 to form Observable Space — combining industry-leading equipment with innovative software.
Observable Space’s products offer benefits such as continuous orbital monitoring, the ability to automate tasks across live missions and real observation in real time with continuous tracking across all strategic orbital domains.
Refined over decades, the business has developed in-space optics that deliver autonomy and in-orbit intelligence ready to deploy at scale. The business has also created a Lasercom platform featuring integrated transmitters, a large-aperture design and closed-loop tracking capabilities.
Making Michigan Home
A strategic vision led to the expansion and relocation of the business, and the stars aligned just right from there.
Originally, the business was based in Los Angeles but had a separate machining location in Michigan. As the business continued growing in both states, President and Co-Founder Rick Hedrick discovered a real estate opportunity in Adrian that suited the needs of the company perfectly.
“It became obvious to me that it was much more affordable to grow in Michigan than it was in California, and I want to be where my company’s growing,” he says.
He soon moved primary operations and his team to Michigan — a decision that has increasingly benefited both the company and Lenawee County over the years.
“Before coming to Michigan, we were just a business trying to make it,” says Hedrick. “I’ve always had a vision for the company and the idea of moving to Adrian fit that vision. Having grown up in a very busy area, I liked the idea of being in a small town.”
Vice President of Engineering Kevin Iott says they received some help from the state for the relocation, adding that the move to Michigan made sense.
“It was very business-friendly, and we were able to get everyone excited and get everyone to move here,” he says.
Prior to the move, the business consisted of 30 team members. Now, there are 150, and revenue is growing. The brand’s reputation for carrying the most effective and highly sought equipment in the industry is steadily increasing as well.
“We have NASA out here all the time,” Hedrick said in March. “We have Space Force out here all the time — there’s a unit out there in our parking lot right now that belongs to Space Force waiting to be deployed.”
A Part of the Community
Hand-in-hand with its business growth, Observable Space has illuminated the power of science and research technology to people of all ages.
The company’s civic involvement and partnerships span across the county, and their values are reflected right on their campus. The business hosts fireworks shows for the community to celebrate the Fourth of July on site, and the unique property features a public golf course and office spaces where nonprofit organizations operate.
“We help support the Adrian Center for the Arts, which is located here on the campus,” Iott explains. “The Sam Buford Woodworking Institute is on our campus as well. We also bought several buildings downtown and opened a restaurant so residents have another great place to go.”
Observable Space also regularly hosts tours, open houses and science fairs for students and other guests. Inspiring people in the areas of astronomy and physics can help the U.S. remain competitive in science, and Observable Space supports that through internships, Hedrick adds.
By making business decisions that contribute to Michigan’s economy, developing industry-leading equipment, increasing educational opportunities and creating recreational resources, Observable Space brings together core elements of a Manufacturer of the Year.
The Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.
The 2025 Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier award was sponsored by UHY. Visit online: uhy-us.com.