Case study: how SRI’s spinout of LeoLabs launched a revolution in low earth orbit intelligence
By pursuing a new application for its proven radar technology, SRI transformed its orbital intelligence capabilities into a startup that’s securing both commercial and defense-related space missions.
“LeoLabs is an important outgrowth of SRI’s work in Incoherent Scatter Radar. We’re proud to continue supporting their work by providing real-time data from our Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar facility near Fairbanks, Alaska.”
Jeffrey Casper, Lab Director, Applied Technology
CHALLENGE
Earth’s orbit is getting crowded.
More than 25,000 satellites have been deployed into earth’s orbit since the dawn of the space age. As satellites and space debris (like old rocket parts and collision fragments) continue to multiply, so does the likelihood of mission-ending collisions.
This is particularly true of low earth orbit (LEO), a more constricted region close to earth that’s critical for many communications and high-resolution imaging satellites, including comparatively tiny SmallSats and CubeSats. These satellites now provide critical services such as broadband internet service for the entire globe, real-time imaging used in intelligence and defense, and continuous maritime monitoring to detect activities like illegal fishing. Protecting these assets requires technology that can track the large and small objects that threaten satellites and their launch platforms.
SOLUTION
In an effort to better track crowded LEO space, SRI turned to on-the-ground radar.
SRI’s initial work on Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR) focused on studying space weather. But as SRI researchers used AMISR to study phenomenon like ionospheric plasma, they realized that some of the noise in their data was in fact a result of detecting physical objects (both satellites and debris) in low earth orbit.
SRI saw an opportunity to combine AMISR data with a cloud-based platform that delivered actionable information to prevent orbital collisions. SRI developed this solution into LeoLabs, a spinout that became independent in 2016.
IMPACT
Today, LeoLabs provides space domain awareness, space traffic management, and launch and operations support for both government and commercial space customers.
LeoLabs’ radar network — which includes the SRI-operated Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar facility in Alaska — is complemented by the most comprehensive commercial catalog of objects in low earth orbit as well as an AI-infused platform for receiving and acting on orbital intelligence.
In 2025, LeoLabs experienced a 186% year-over-year growth in U.S. government contracts while continuing to support allied governments and commercial clients.
OUR EXPERTS
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Jeffrey Casper
Lab Director, Applied Technology
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Todd Stavish
Managing Director, SRI Ventures