The initial move in conducting warfare in space involves understanding what’s occurring thousands of miles above Earth. In alignment with this, defense technology company Anduril is acquiring ExoAnalytic Solutions, a specialized data company.
ExoAnalytic runs a global network of 400 telescopes, tracking spacecraft in high Earth orbits. Their engineers create software that translates these observations into tools for U.S. national security agencies to monitor adversary spacecraft and coordinate American assets in orbit.
“We’ve collaborated with this company for several years on multiple programs, and they are specialists in space domain awareness and missile defense,” stated Anduril VP of engineering Gokul Subramanian. “We believe the Department of Defense deserves the best catalog of space activities.”
The private companies didn’t reveal the deal’s financial details. Anduril is currently raising a $4 billion round from investors Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, as reported by Reuters last week.
ExoAnalytics will be integrated directly into Anduril, rather than operating as a separate subsidiary. However, Subramanian mentioned it would continue servicing existing and future external customers. Anduril currently has 120 employees dedicated to space defense, which will more than double with the addition of 130 ExoAnalytics employees.
This technology could aid Anduril in securing government contracts for Golden Dome, the missile defense system being developed by the US Congress, involving billions of dollars. This system is anticipated to consist of thousands of satellites to track and target enemy missiles, requiring substantial real-time awareness and coordination.
Anduril plans to launch three spacecraft this year as internally-funded R&D projects utilizing capabilities gained through the acquisition. Subramanian noted that ExoAnalytic’s expertise in processing space data would contribute to an infrared tracking satellite, planned for launch this year in collaboration with Apex Space. The tracking data will support two high-orbit missions due to launch this year with Impulse Space and Argo Space, respectively.
Techcrunch event
San Francisco, CA
|
October 13-15, 2026
Another aspect of the acquisition is ExoAnalytic’s machine vision algorithms, which are valuable for interceptors tracking and engaging incoming threats. Anduril secured a Pentagon contract in late 2025 to start developing a space-based missile interceptor.
Founded in 2008, ExoAnalytic aimed to repurpose missile defense sensor technology for tracking spacecraft, following requests from U.S. military officials for advanced space understanding, according to CEO Doug Hendrix in a 2024 interview. The company’s early expansion was supported by federal grants and contracts, including $26 million in SBIR grants since 2010.
U.S. Space Force representatives have shown significant concern about Chinese and Russian spacecraft operating near American and European satellites, posing risks such as communication interception or potential satellite damage through electronic or other weapons.
“Two years ago, a U.S. commander informed me that the fleet couldn’t depart the port without securing the space layer,” Subramanian remarked. “Our mission for the past several years has been to become part of that solution.”