Xplore Inc., a commercial space company providing Space as a Service has announced a collaboration with the W. M. Keck Observatory in Waimea, Hawai'i. The Keck Observatory, the world's leading optical/infrared observatory, will assist Xplore in concept development and science case definition for the company's family of Xplore Space Telescopes (XST).

The XST series of commercial space telescopes take full advantage of Xplore's high performance Xcraft platform to carry a suite of innovative sensors to address a wide range of astronomical and planetary observations.

The collaboration with the Keck Observatory will help align the observational capabilities of the XSTs with the needs of the astronomical community. By leveraging commercial practices and advanced technology, XSTs can be deployed in a fraction of the time and cost compared with existing space-based observatories, enabling more science for more astronomers.

Dr. John O'Meara, Chief Scientist of the Keck Observatory, said, "One of the ways Keck stays at the forefront of astronomical discovery is through collaborations that advance new technologies and science capabilities. I am excited to support Xplore in defining the science opportunities for the world's first series of commercial space science telescopes."

Lisa Rich, Founder and Chief Operating Officer said, "Our team is highly engaged in bringing new space-based capabilities that can be added to the portfolios of observations at leading observatories like Keck. Partnering with Keck Observatory allows Xplore to advance its mission to accelerate space science by adding value and access to the astronomical community."

The XST will drive a new paradigm for astronomical research by offering a fleet of highly cost-effective, space-based observatories that significantly expand availability of observations and data at an expedited pace. XSTs will operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond into the cislunar space region, providing a range of optical observations for a diverse set of customers. In the coming months, Xplore plans to announce its first telescope missions.

Lisa Rich added, "Together with Keck, we are opening new avenues for science. Keck's ground-based observatories today deliver the most scientifically advanced astronomy data on Earth. Xplore will deliver the ability to collect new scientific data from space-based telescopes in parallel - and we expect this mix of new capabilities will produce positive outcomes for the astronomical community."

An added benefit from the Xplore and Keck Observatory association will be the value of Xplore's space telescopes to education. "I am particularly excited about Xplore's openness to placing its space telescopes at the service of education," remarked Ed Harris, Chief Development Officer of Keck Observatory.

"Science will be the prime beneficiary of our collaboration, and we will also look to engage students and teachers across the country and throughout the world in STEM education opportunities afforded through this unique capability."

"The observatory's mission is to advance the frontiers of astronomy, share our discoveries, and inspire the imagination of all," Hilton Lewis, Director of Keck Observatory said, "Our association with Xplore is an innovative new way to advance these goals."

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