Anduril Industries announced on Wednesday that it is acquiring ExoAnalytic Solutions, a space intelligence firm that operates a vast network of sensors monitoring the veiled movements of satellites thousands of miles above Earth.
“For nearly twenty years, ExoAnalytic has delivered important advantage[s] for the nation’s most critical missions,” Anduril said in a press release. “Exo is a renowned leader in modeling and simulation for classified national security space programs, and provides critical software and expertise for missile warning and missile defense.”
“The company also owns and operates the world’s largest commercial telescope network with more than 400 systems deployed worldwide, enabling persistent, high-fidelity awareness of deep space at a global scale,” Anduril said.
Anduril did not disclose how much it’s paying for ExoAnalytic, but the acquisition will more than double Anduril’s staff dedicated to space projects, according to Gokul Subramanian, Anduril’s vice president of engineering who also oversees the company’s space portfolio.
Living by the sword
Anduril is perhaps best known for developing autonomous weapons, such as cruise missiles, jet-powered missile interceptors, and underwater drones. The company is one of two contractors working with the US Air Force on the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to field highly maneuverable robotic wingmen to accompany piloted fighter jets into conflict. The program builds on the concept of manned-unmanned teaming, in which conventional combat aircraft can control drone swarms from the cockpit.
Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, established Anduril with a team of ex-Palantir employees in 2017. The company’s reach now extends into space, a domain critical to modern military operations.
The purchase of ExoAnalytic will “accelerate Anduril’s work supporting national security space customers,” the company said in a statement. Anduril will take ownership of ExoAnalytic’s global telescope network, missile defense software, and simulation and tracking algorithms. The additions will support Anduril’s capabilities in space domain awareness, battle management, and fire control, areas where the US Space Force is seeking new contractors.