From Noise to Knowledge
Space Exploration
National Security
Agriculture
Healthcare
From Noise to Knowledge
Space Exploration
National Security
Agriculture
Healthcare
About Kspacelabs
Our Inspiration: What is K-Space?
K-Space is a term from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), referring to the raw data that must be processed to form a coherent image. Just as the inverse Fourier transform converts K-Space into a readable scan, K Space Labs takes raw, noisy data and transforms it into usable, actionable solutions. This scientific metaphor defines how we approach problem-solving across disciplines.
Who we are?
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Joe Sheehan, a physician with expertise in interventional radiology, precision agriculture, and app development, K Space Labs began incubating at T-Rex Innovation Center in downtown St. Louis. The company brings together a diverse team of innovators working at the intersection of AI, remote sensing, and advanced satellite systems.
Our Mission
Filter Noise. Create Solutions.
At K Space Labs, we harness complex raw data — from space, agriculture, healthcare, and beyond — and turn it into actionable insights. Our mission is to build affordable, scalable, and transformative technologies for:
- National Security
- Healthcare & Clinical Trials
- Agriculture & Environmental Monitoring
- Space Exploration & Satellite Intelligence
Project Space Needle
Overview
Project Space Needle is K Space Labs’ flagship initiative to revolutionize geospatial intelligence. By combining AI and historical satellite data, we’re building tools that detect environmental, agricultural, and security-related changes across time and space.
What we are building
- A machine learning system that analyzes satellite images from decades past and compares them with real-time data.
- A custom Geographic Information System (GIS) dashboard that simplifies complex datasets for decision-makers.
- A scalable network of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, engineered to be:
- Affordable and easily deployable
- Compact and lightweight
- Spectrally versatile, with thermal, infrared, and visible light sensors
- 5G-enabled for continuous global communication
- Easily de-orbital to reduce space debris
Why it matters
From tracking climate shifts and illegal mining to monitoring global infrastructure development, real-time satellite analysis is critical for governments, researchers, and private industry.
Strategic Advantages:
- Located in downtown St. Louis near the $1.7B NGA-West Headquarters.
- Collaborating with Scale AI, a leading player in AI data labeling.
- Positioned to tap into $25M+ in federal funding for geospatial innovation.
Drone Techonology
Overview
K Space Labs is developing intelligent drone systems in collaboration with Kerry Farms and leading academic institutions to support precision agriculture, climate monitoring, and remote sensing for compliance. These drones are equipped with advanced sensors capable of collecting detailed environmental and chemical data from the air.
What we are developing
- Remote sensing drones with the ability to:
- Monitor soil conditions, crop health, and plant maturity
- Detect chemical compositions for fertilizer optimization and environmental assessments
- Identify field-level changes for yield forecasting, carbon tracking, and water usage analysis
- Real-time data integration into geospatial dashboards for use by farmers, researchers, and regulators
- Support for environmental compliance and land-use monitoring by federal, state, and local agencies
Partnerships and Support
- Partnering with Taylor Geospatial Institute and Saint Louis University, recipients of a USDA grant to research hemp applications.
- Partnering with a Blue UAS Cleared Drone Manufacturer
- Partnered with a FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification delivery company
- FAA study commissioned in November 2023
- Illinois Department of Transportation-Aeronautical Division Site Visit October 2023
- Supported by DEA registration and existing infrastructure at Kerry Farms, a 22-acre, DEA-approved facility in Illinois.
Pharmaceutical Delivery App
Overview
K Space Labs is developing a secure, AI-driven delivery platform to enable rapid, just-in-time delivery of pharmaceuticals. Designed to support clinical trials, urgent prescriptions, and time-sensitive therapies, this app will serve as a powerful logistics tool for patients, healthcare providers, and researchers.
Key Features:
- Smart Search & Menus: Easy access to licensed dispensaries and product catalogs
- GPS Tracking & Route Optimization: Live location monitoring for driver safety and user transparency
- Secure Payments: Integrated with Square API for cannabis-compliant transactions
- Ratings & Reviews: For users to evaluate dispensaries, products, and drivers
- AI-Optimized Dispatching: Machine learning to streamline delivery times and driver management
Pilot and Scaling Plan:
- Initial rollout with over 5,000 existing patients from Kerry Farms’ network.
- Prototype delivery using specialized vehicles in compliance with state law (e.g., Florida model with secure transport).
- Plans for drone-based delivery trials under FAA and DEA supervision, especially for isolated or clinical trial patients.
Future Vision
- Expand platform to include drone-based medical delivery in remote and high-need areas
- Support distribution of emergency medications, vaccines, and personalized therapies
- Position the platform for adoption by healthcare systems, research institutions, and national health agencies
Vertiport Design
Overview
K Space Labs is developing a dedicated facility for launching, testing, and managing next-generation delivery drones. This will serve as a key hub for commercial drone logistics, agricultural support, and pharmaceutical delivery.
Why DuPage County?
- Strategically located near Illinois tech infrastructure, major roads, and potential distribution centers
- FAA certification in progress, backed by previous experience with drone-related compliance and airspace use
What we are building
- A state-of-the-art vertiport on 22-acres, featuring:
- Launch and landing pads for Electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing)
- Charging infrastructure for electric drone fleets
- Maintenance and calibration bays for rapid prototyping and servicing
- Integrated command center for autonomous fleet coordination
- A secured airspace corridor for safe, FAA-compliant operations
- Testing and scaling facility for:
- Medical drone delivery (e.g., Clinical trial medications)
- Agricultural payloads (e.g., seeds, soil analysis kits, lab samples)
- Emergency response and environmental monitoring tools