About Dark Dragons Astronomy
We build dependable, unattended-control hardware and software for permanent observatories. Our path has been hands-on from day one: design, test in real observatories, harden, repeat.
Our Mission
Enable astronomers to focus on discovery—not control systems—by delivering observatory automation that is reliable, safe, and simple to operate in the real world.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Reliability
Night-after-night operation with fail-safe behavior.
Safety
Weather logic, interlocks, and sane defaults first.
Longevity
Industrial components, maintainable designs, field-serviceable parts.
Scalability
From a single backyard observatory to multi-building centrally controlled facilities.
Open Standards
ASCOM/Alpaca, INDI, and practical interoperability.
Customer Collaboration
We build with the people who run real observatories.
Our Journey
Building the future of observatory automation
2022
Origin & First Deployments
Built the first DragonLAIR roof controller to solve our own observatory needs. Proved unattended operation: DC power design, safety interlocks, remote control.
2023
Public Debut & Field Feedback
Showcased at NEAF 2023, leading to early commercial orders and installs. Added companion modules (mount-park sensing) based on real-world use.
2024
Institutional & Commercial Hosting Systems
Delivered a full dome automation system for Queensborough Community College. Deployed DragonLAIR systems at Howling Coyote Remote Observatory (HCRO) in New Mexico, supporting multiple roll-off buildings. Began supplying hardware for commercial remote hosting facilities preparing for scale. Refined PRO drive and expanded support for multi-building, unattended sites.
2025
Scaling & Hardening
Streamlined production, supply chain, and long-duration reliability testing. Established a modular architecture: roof, power, weather, and mount systems working as one. Expanded installation, operation and support processes for remote, unattended observatories.
Where We Are Today
Our systems run in private observatories, hosting facilities, and institutional sites across the U.S. We ship only what we trust with our own telescopes: hardware proven in the field, supported directly by the engineers who build it.