Sea West Observatories and Observatory Systems Launch First Light Astronomy

First Light Astronomy designs, builds, equips, and operates world-class observatories. We handle every detail so you can focus on what matters: The results.

SAN DIMAS, CA, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Sea West Observatories and Observatory Systems today announced the launch of First Light Astronomy at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference.

The new company provides comprehensive observatory services for astronomy and commercial optical sensing applications, giving customers a single partner from initial planning through long-term operations.

“We bring the people who design, build, equip, and operate an observatory into one team,” said Matt Dieterich, co-founder of First Light Astronomy. “Our customers have a single partner responsible for understanding their requirements, delivering a working observatory, and supporting its performance over the long term.”

First Light Astronomy combines Sea West Observatories’ three-decades of experience in observatory design, construction, and field services with Observatory Systems’ two decades of expertise in system architecture, optical instrumentation, and operations.

First Light brings these capabilities together to support the site, the observatory, the system, the instruments, and the software throughout the project lifecycle. Across their combined team, First Light Astronomy has worked on over 100 observatories ranging from full design-build projects, dome and telescope control system retrofits, optical instrumentation installations, and operations and maintenance contracts.

Customers can engage First Light Astronomy under a single contract covering site feasibility, design, equipment procurement, facility and enclosure construction, systems integration and testing and commissioning. Services also include control software and automation, ongoing operations, maintenance and technical support. The team establishes technical and operational requirements during project planning and verifies system performance through testing and commissioning.

First Light works closely with equipment manufacturers to select, supply, and configure equipment for each project. The team collaborates directly with these partners to understand hardware capabilities and develop custom adaptations where needed, combining manufacturers’ product expertise with First Light’s experience in system design, integration and operations.

First Light Astronomy is exhibiting at AMOS. Representatives will be available to discuss observatory development, systems integration, and long-term operational support.

ABOUT FIRST LIGHT ASTRONOMY
First Light Astronomy is headquartered in San Dimas, CA, with offices in Seattle, WA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Tucson, AZ. First Light Astronomy serves government and defense agencies, universities and research institutions, private clients, public institutions, and conservancies. For more information, visit www.firstlightastro.com.

Matt Dieterich
First Light Astronomy
+1 412-680-6408
email us here

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