impossible Sensing
Impossible Sensing is a St. Louis-based optical sensing company that develops proprietary laser spectroscopy instruments for space exploration, deep-sea observation, and agricultural climate applications. It serves U.S. government agencies — primarily NASA, NOAA, DOE, BOEM, and NSF — alongside select research institutions and licensed commercialization partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersSt Louis, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What impossible Sensing does
Impossible Sensing is a private optical sensing technology company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 2016 by Dr. Pablo Sobron. It develops proprietary laser spectroscopy instruments — primarily Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman, fluorescence, and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) platforms — originally engineered for space exploration missions and adapted for terrestrial use. The product portfolio is organized in three domains: SPACE (DiSCO, PERISCOPE, L3VIN, miniLIBS, MERLIN, iSEE for planetary and lunar missions), OCEAN (InVADER, ARIEL, VIPER for deep-sea in-situ analysis and seafloor characterization), and CLIMATE (SEEMS for soil carbon and health monitoring, FLOW for multi-phase oil/water/gas flow measurement). Engineering depth stems from novel optoelectronic architectures — including autofocus mapping that replaces traditional mechanical mechanisms, integrated drilling with dual spectroscopy, and borehole-deployable probes for depth profiling.
impossible Sensing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- impossible Sensing
- Legal name
- Impossible Sensing
- Website
- https://impossiblesensing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Impossible Sensing is a St. Louis-based optical sensing company that develops proprietary laser spectroscopy instruments for space exploration, deep-sea observation, and agricultural climate applications. It serves U.S. government agencies — primarily NASA, NOAA, DOE, BOEM, and NSF — alongside select research institutions and licensed commercialization partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
impossible Sensing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Optical Sensing Instruments
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB), Process Analytical Instrumentation (Gas analyzers, spectroscopy, pH/ORP, conductivity) (IMAGAFAE), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Remote Sensing & Imaging (Satellite, UAV/Drone, Aerial, Multispectral/Hyperspectral) (AFAGALAC), Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors & Targeting Systems (IMABAGAC)
Keywords
Where impossible Sensing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- St Louis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
impossible Sensing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Government Contracts: SBIR contracts from U.S. Department of Energy ($1.6M Phase II), NASA-funded projects for space and ocean exploration. Non-dilutive funding for R&D.
- Technology Licensing: Exclusive licensing agreements with partners like Susterco for commercialization of technologies in specific verticals (agriculture, forestry, food production).
- Affiliate Company Revenue: Revenue through affiliate company IS.Energy in Calgary for FLOW technology commercialization in energy sector.
- Instrument Sales: Sale of specialized sensing instruments for research, exploration, and industrial applications.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
impossible Sensing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Impossible Sensing designs, develops, and manufactures proprietary optical sensing instruments based on laser spectroscopy techniques (LIBS, Raman, SERS, and fluorescence). The instruments are deployed in three primary domains: planetary/space exploration, deep-ocean scientific observation, and Earth-based climate applications such as soil carbon monitoring and multi-phase well flow measurement.
Product overview
Impossible Sensing is a space technology company that develops a portfolio of proprietary optical sensing instruments derived from space exploration technology for deployment across extreme environments. The product portfolio spans three domains: SPACE instruments (DiSCO, PERISCOPE, FLEW.ID, L3VIN, miniLIBS, MERLIN, iSEE) for planetary exploration and lunar resource prospecting; OCEAN instruments (InVADER, ARIEL, VIPER) for deep-sea scientific observation and seafloor characterization; and CLIMATE technologies (SEEMS, FLOW) for soil quality measurement and multi-phase flow analysis on Earth. The company operates from specialized hubs in St. Louis (agtech), Calgary (energy), Seattle (oceans), and Silicon Valley (space), with headquarters at 2700 Cherokee Street in St. Louis.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- DiSCO Planetary exploration instrument combining dual spectroscopic techniques (LIBS and Raman) with an integrated drilling mechanism for in-situ sample analysis on landed spacecraft. Features novel optoelectronics for mapping and autofocusing that replace traditional mechanical mechanisms.
- PERISCOPE NASA astrobiology instrument that identifies organic compounds, biosignatures, water in any form, and rare-earth elements. Deployable as a surface probe for mapping chemical constituents or down a borehole for depth profiling composition.
- FLEW.ID Instrument providing optimal nutrient cycling for plants and real-time control of closed-loop water recyclers with autonomous systems, including hydroponic garden systems on the International Space Station. On Earth, enables in-line monitoring to detect trace hazardous contaminants in water.
- L3VIN (Lunar Laser Lab for Volatiles Investigations) Lunar LIBS instrument capable of mapping and autofocusing for rapid analysis of resource quantity and distribution on the lunar surface. Features adjustable standoff distances for different exploration vehicles and mission scenarios.
- miniLIBS Portable LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) system providing best-in-class performance for demanding research applications in both lab and field settings. Designed for geological research and lunar applications to identify and quantify valuable resources and chemical compositions.
- MERLIN Back-illuminated Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) instrument developed for NASA Ames Research Center astrobiologists. Captures high-resolution 2-D molecular images of compounds relevant to the search for life strategies on other planets.
- InVADER (In situ Vent Analysis Divebot for Exobiology Research) Deep-sea scientific observatory featuring remote Raman and fluorescence laser spectroscopic capabilities. Studies hydrothermal vent systems at 1500m depth for mineralogical and biological analysis. Funded by NASA, NOAA, and NSF.
- ARIEL Spectroscopic sensing instrument that mounts to AUVs, ROVs and other exploration vehicles. Characterizes mineral deposits on the seafloor and biological communities faster and more precisely than existing methods, supporting clean energy transition while preserving deep marine biosphere. Developed for BOEM and NASA.
- VIPER Co-located, multi-spectral, laser sensing instrument for point scans and 2.5D mapping of elemental, mineralogical, and biological composition. Brings robotic laboratory capabilities to seafloor exploration sites to identify and quantify location, size, and nature of mineral deposits and biological communities.
- SEEMS (Spatial Excitation Emissions Matrix Spectroscopy) Soil quality measurement technology replacing expensive soil coring and off-site analysis with cost-effective on-site monitoring, accounting, and verification of soil carbon and other health indicators. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.
- FLOW Optical imaging solution for individual wellheads reporting real-time mass and volumetric flow rates of oil, water, and gas phases in multi-phase flows. Tailored for high-watercut flows, high gas-content flows, and variable pressure conditions. Commercialized by IS.Energy affiliate.
- iSEE (In-situ Spectroscopic Europa Explorer) Ultra-compact Raman Spectrometer developed jointly with the SETI Institute for planetary missions. Enables on-the-fly, automated analyses of alien terrain without a human operator for future exploration on small landed or fly-through spacecraft.
Quantifiable outcome
- Replaces expensive soil coring and off-site analysis with cost-effective on-site monitoring
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use impossible Sensing
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
impossible Sensing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability10 records
Feature11 records
impossible Sensing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ocean Exploration TrustcoreSuccessfully launched InVADER Mission's Laser Divebot from E/V Nautilus expedition. Funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration and Research via Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute.
- KIGAM (Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources)coreMOU signed for future space projects collaboration and contract to design, build, and deliver high-fidelity L3VIN prototype for lunar mission operations expected in 2027. First-class research institution led by Dr. Kyeong Kim.
- Honeybee RoboticscoreLong-standing partnership with shared culture and vision. Collaborating on new technology development for space exploration and planetary missions.
- BioGenerator VenturescorePartnership to commercialize technologies for agriculture, forestry, and food production. Matt Helms stated excitement about using Impossible Sensing's advanced technology for soil carbon and soil health measurement.
- SustercocoreBioGenerator company with exclusive licensing agreement in St. Louis, MO. Developed commercialization plan for Phase II application. Facilitates market adoption for agriculture, forestry, and food production technologies.
- IS.EnergycoreAffiliate company based in Calgary, Canada commercializing FLOW technology for the energy sector. Led by CEO Ariel Torre.
- SETI InstitutecoreOngoing collaboration funding development of iSEE ultra-compact Raman Spectrometer for planetary missions to inner and outer Solar System. Team includes Cam Krueger, Lia Schattner, Patrick Sullivan, and Jack Quire.
- Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)coreCollaboration on cutting-edge lunar resource utilization technology. Team building rover-mounted instrument drill bit for 3D water distribution mapping at Moon's south pole.
- NASA JPLcoreNASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory collaboration on InVADER Mission for deep-sea exploration technology.
- University of Washington's Applied Physics LaboratorycoreCollaboration on InVADER Mission engineering team for deep-sea scientific observatory development.
- BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management)coreFunding and development of ARIEL technology for seafloor mineral and biological characterization supporting clean energy transition.
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CentercoreWorld's largest independent plant science research institute. Host site for IN2 program field trials and technical assistance. Member of IN2's Channel Partner network.
- University of Southern MississippiminorDr. Leonardo Macelloni is Leading Investigator on InVADER project. Part of Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
impossible Sensing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CropX: CropX provides soil-sensor platforms and analytics for precision agriculture, including carbon and soil-health monitoring. SEEMS directly competes in the on-site soil-carbon MRV segment that CropX is commercializing with agricultural enterprises.
- SciAps: SciAps manufactures portable LIBS and XRF analyzers for field geology, mining, and industrial applications. Impossible Sensing's miniLIBS competes in similar use cases for elemental analysis, making SciAps the closest commercial analog in handheld laser spectroscopy.
- Honeybee Robotics: Honeybee Robotics (now a Blue Origin company) builds specialized robotic systems and instruments for space exploration, including drilling and sample-handling payloads. It is Impossible Sensing's stated long-standing strategic partner and the most directly comparable business in space-qualified scientific instrumentation.
Broad incumbents
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher is the dominant manufacturer of laboratory and process spectroscopy instruments (Raman, LIBS-adjacent, FTIR). Its scale, distribution, and installed base represent the primary large-vendor threat to Impossible Sensing's analytical instrument roadmap.
- Ball Aerospace: Ball Aerospace (now BAE Systems) designs and manufactures space-qualified scientific instruments and payloads. It competes for the same NASA and government-agency mission contracts that fund Impossible Sensing's space instrument development.
- Renishaw: Renishaw is a leading supplier of Raman spectroscopy systems used in research and industrial metrology. Its established global footprint makes it a relevant comparable for Impossible Sensing's spectroscopy instrumentation business.
- Bruker: Bruker manufactures a broad portfolio of scientific instruments including Raman and other spectroscopy platforms. It serves similar research, materials, and life-science customers as Impossible Sensing's laboratory spectroscopy products.
Emerging players
- Mission Control Space Services: Mission Control Space Services provides autonomous software and AI for space exploration, including lunar surface operations. It is an Impossible Sensing partner that has deployed L3VIN at the ESA Lunar Polar Challenge, making it a closely adjacent emerging player.
- Arable Labs: Arable builds in-field sensing and data analytics for crop monitoring and climate-smart agriculture. It overlaps with Impossible Sensing's SEEMS positioning around affordable, real-time field-level agricultural measurement.
- Teralytic: Teralytic develops in-field soil probe sensors for nutrient and soil-health monitoring. Its wireless probe product competes in the precision-agriculture soil-sensing segment that SEEMS is targeting with spectroscopy-based measurement.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
impossible Sensing social profiles
Digital presenceimpossible Sensing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
impossible Sensing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
impossible Sensing subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
impossible Sensing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
impossible Sensing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about impossible Sensing
What does impossible Sensing do?
Impossible Sensing designs, develops, and manufactures proprietary optical sensing instruments based on laser spectroscopy techniques (LIBS, Raman, SERS, and fluorescence). The instruments are deployed in three primary domains: planetary/space exploration, deep-ocean scientific observation, and Earth-based climate applications such as soil carbon monitoring and multi-phase well flow measurement.
Is impossible Sensing a public or private company?
impossible Sensing is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was impossible Sensing founded?
impossible Sensing was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is impossible Sensing based?
impossible Sensing is headquartered in St Louis, United States, in the North America region.
How does impossible Sensing make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Contracts are the primary driver. The others are technology Licensing, affiliate Company Revenue and instrument Sales.
Who are impossible Sensing's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CropX, SciAps and Honeybee Robotics. Broad incumbents are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ball Aerospace, Renishaw and Bruker. Emerging players are Mission Control Space Services, Arable Labs and Teralytic.
Does impossible Sensing have an API?
No public API is recorded for impossible Sensing.
What industry is impossible Sensing in?
impossible Sensing's product category is Scientific Optical Sensing Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAB, Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments, with a secondary code of IMAGAFAB, Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination). Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3827.