Umbra leads the synthetic aperture radar industry in the US, building everything from sensors to spacecraft and running the show themselves. They run what they call the world’s most capable SAR constellation, delivering precise imagery to government and commercial clients on some pretty critical missions.
Umbra launched back in 2015, aiming squarely at synthetic aperture radar systems with a vertically integrated approach. They keep everything US-owned and operated, designing and manufacturing all parts right here at home.
Austin, Texas serves as their base of operations. The city’s bustling innovation scene and aerospace infrastructure have given Umbra a solid launchpad.
Umbra splits its services into three big buckets. First, remote sensing, which handles data collection. Then there’s space systems for all the hardware design and building. Finally, mission solutions—these are the platforms customers use to access and analyze their data.
They’ve branched out to offer custom satellite missions. This lets organizations get their own SAR satellites in orbit, not just a slice of the shared constellation.
Umbra wants to shake up what organizations can do with space-based systems. They’re working to make high-res radar data available to more people, more often.
Their main goal is to give customers a real information edge, no matter the weather or time of day. They deliver precision imagery that just works, rain or shine, day or night.
Umbra doesn’t stop at traditional satellite imagery. They’re always looking for ways to push space tech further and open up advanced systems to more users.
They’ve set their sights on supporting everything from climate monitoring and land use analysis to wildlife protection and national security. Their systems help people make smarter, data-driven decisions across all these fields.
Umbra takes a first principles approach to engineering. Instead of tweaking what’s out there, they break down the problem and build solutions from scratch.
They keep end-to-end system ownership throughout every step. Umbra designs, manufactures, launches, and operates their satellites themselves.
If a customer needs something unique, Umbra can tweak satellites quickly. They adjust sensors, orbits, or data collection schedules to fit the mission.
Umbra’s constellation delivers the highest resolution SAR imagery you can get commercially. Their satellites beat out competitors on resolution and stick to reliable coverage schedules.
Their vertical integration means they control everything—making sensors, building spacecraft, testing, and running the constellation—all from their US facilities.
Umbra’s synthetic aperture radar satellites mark a big leap forward in Earth observation technology. Their spacecraft snap detailed images at 25-centimeter resolution, no matter the weather or time.
Synthetic Aperture Radar works by sending radio waves down to Earth and measuring the signals that bounce back. This is a totally different approach from optical satellites that depend on sunlight.
The tech uses electromagnetic waves in the X-band frequency. As the satellite moves in orbit, it creates a much bigger antenna aperture than you’d ever fit on a rocket.
Key technical specs:
SAR satellites reach their high resolution by timing the reflected radar signals down to the nanosecond. They record both amplitude and phase, then use advanced algorithms to combine radar pulses into sharp images.
Umbra runs what they say are the world’s most advanced commercial SAR satellites. Their constellation started up in June 2021 with the launch of Umbra-SAR 2001.
Each satellite weighs about 65 kilograms and sports a patented antenna. The antenna folds up for launch and unfolds once in orbit.
By handling the whole process—from design to operation—Umbra can move fast and keep quality high.
Constellation features:
They’ve put real effort into making their data accessible. In July 2023, Umbra opened up over $1 million in SAR imagery through their Open Data Program.
SAR brings some big advantages over regular optical satellites. These benefits make SAR a go-to for lots of commercial and government jobs.
Weather independence is the standout. Radio waves cut through clouds, fog, even haze, so data keeps coming in when optical sensors would be useless.
Day and night operation is another big plus. SAR satellites generate their own “light” with radio waves, so they don’t care if it’s pitch black or midday.
SAR picks up tiny changes on the ground—sometimes just millimeters. That’s a game changer for monitoring infrastructure and geological shifts.
People use SAR for maritime monitoring, checking crops, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring. The all-weather, all-hours capability becomes crucial when you can’t afford to wait for clear skies.
Umbra currently runs eight active SAR satellites and plans to grow the fleet to 32 by 2030. They use SpaceX Transporter missions for launches and keep global coverage by carefully positioning their satellites.
As of 2025, Umbra’s constellation includes eight operational SAR satellites. They kicked off with three commercial birds in summer 2021. Five more joined in 2023—satellites 04 through 08.
The whole fleet uses X-band synthetic aperture radar. That means high-res images, rain or shine, day or night. Each satellite works independently but adds to the network’s overall coverage.
Umbra wants to scale up to 32 satellites. More satellites mean more frequent coverage and denser data. This will help both commercial and government clients.
Some satellites operate in tandem pairs for extra capabilities. Umbra-07 and Umbra-08 form the first operational tandem, which allows for bistatic collection and better image quality.
Umbra launches satellites using SpaceX Transporter missions. They sent up new satellites on Transporter-9 in November 2023 and added more on Transporter-11.
Their satellites fly in low Earth orbit for the best radar performance. This altitude delivers the sharp resolution needed for their customers.
Mission planning software coordinates the whole show. It manages imaging requests and keeps satellites where they need to be. This setup helps them respond fast to urgent imaging needs.
Umbra keeps end-to-end control over manufacturing, launching, and operating their satellites. Having everything in-house lets them fine-tune mission timing and performance.
Since their first launch in 2021, Umbra’s constellation has stayed up and running. Reports show all satellites are performing as expected. They expect the fleet to keep going strong through at least December 2030.
Ground control teams keep an eye on satellite health 24/7. They track status and coordinate imaging missions to make sure customers get what they need.
SAR satellites deliver all-weather imaging—something optical satellites just can’t do. Radar keeps working through clouds and darkness, which is a lifesaver for time-sensitive tasks.
Umbra plans for redundancy. If one satellite goes down, others can pick up the slack. Tandem pairs offer backup for the most important missions.
Umbra’s SAR satellites provide sharp imagery for a bunch of critical sectors. Their 25cm resolution tech enables detailed Earth observation, deep maritime tracking, and accurate change detection.
Umbra’s SAR systems keep an eye on Earth around the clock, no matter the weather. They capture surface details through clouds and darkness using synthetic aperture radar.
Farmers and ag companies rely on Umbra’s data to monitor crop health, soil moisture, and harvest times. That 25cm resolution really makes a difference for precision farming.
Urban planners use Umbra’s regular imaging to track infrastructure, city growth, and land use. The satellites document construction and expansion reliably.
Environmental scientists turn to Umbra for disaster monitoring. Floods, wildfires, and earthquakes—Umbra’s radar sees through clouds and smoke when optical satellites can’t.
SAR works wonders over the ocean, where cameras often fall short. Radar signals ignore bad weather, so maritime agencies get consistent intel.
Ports and authorities use Umbra’s satellites to spot ships, track traffic, and ID unknown vessels. The system keeps working in the dark or during storms.
Scan mode covers big ocean areas at lower resolution—great for watching shipping lanes or spotting sea ice and icebergs.
Illegal fishing is a big problem, but SAR helps. Agencies use Umbra’s data to find unauthorized vessels and enforce boundaries.
Oil spills don’t escape SAR’s notice. Even during storms, environmental teams can detect slicks that would otherwise go unseen.
Umbra’s regular imaging schedule makes it easy to spot changes over time. Customers compare images to see what’s new or different.
Engineering firms track construction, monitor bridges, and check roads for changes. That sharp 25cm resolution catches details that other satellites miss.
Security teams use change detection to watch sensitive sites and track vehicle movements. Defense agencies spot unauthorized construction with Umbra’s data.
Spotlight mode delivers the crispest images for detailed analysis. It’s perfect when you need to measure small changes precisely.
Mining companies follow extraction, equipment shifts, and excavation progress with change detection. Consistent image quality helps them stay efficient and compliant.
Umbra delivers full satellite systems thanks to their vertical integration, handling everything from design to deployment. They offer flexible ownership and custom mission options, so customers can get orbital SAR systems without needing to build up in-house satellite expertise.
Umbra takes charge of every layer of satellite development with its vertically integrated approach. The team designs and builds the satellite bus, SAR payload, and antenna systems right in their own facilities.
Because they own the entire process, they can move fast and make sure all the parts fit together smoothly. By cutting out traditional vendors, Umbra sidesteps the usual delays that slow down satellite projects.
Their engineers tweak each subsystem to work together, instead of trying to patch together third-party components. This hands-on style cuts technical risks and helps missions move ahead quickly.
Key Integration Components:
Umbra leans on its operational experience from running its own satellite constellation. They’ve launched and tested satellites in orbit, so they know what really works.
That real-world track record gives new customers more confidence, especially those jumping into SAR capabilities for the first time.
Umbra doesn’t just sell one-size-fits-all satellites. Instead, they design systems around what each customer needs.
Government agencies and multinational companies can lay out their mission specs, and Umbra adapts its SAR tech to fit. Whether it’s a unique orbit or custom data requirements, they’ll work with it.
Mission Customization Options:
Customization goes beyond hardware. Umbra builds mission-specific ground control systems and data workflows, too.
They train customers and support them so they can run SAR systems on their own.
Formation flying tech lets multiple satellites act as a coordinated team, not just as standalones. This setup boosts coverage and revisit times.
Umbra’s experience running constellations means they can handle tricky multi-satellite missions.
Customers can buy complete satellite systems outright with build-to-own contracts. That means full ownership and total control—no recurring service fees.
Leasing is another option, giving access to SAR satellites without the big upfront spend. Customers pay for capacity over time, while Umbra keeps ownership and runs the show.
This setup works well for organizations testing SAR, or just needing it for a limited time.
Ownership Models Available:
Hybrid models mix ownership and leasing to fit different budgets and needs. Some organizations own certain satellite parts and lease others.
Flexible options like this make it easier for customers to work within their procurement rules and budgets.
Umbra supports every model during satellite deployment and the early mission phases. Their team helps with launch integration and initial operations.
They use a synchronized four-point separation system for reliable satellite deployment from launch vehicles.
Umbra Space runs a full data pipeline that transforms raw satellite imagery into actionable intelligence. Their synthetic aperture radar captures high-res Earth observation data for government and commercial clients across a bunch of industries.
Umbra’s satellite constellation uses synthetic aperture radar sensors to grab Earth imagery, rain or shine, day or night. SAR tech doesn’t care about clouds or darkness, which really sets it apart from regular optical satellites.
Their spacecraft orbit at specific altitudes to keep image resolution sharp and coverage patterns consistent. Each satellite sends out microwave signals to Earth and measures the bounce-back.
Umbra designs and builds their satellites in the U.S., keeping full control over the data hardware. This in-house approach lets them tailor sensors for each mission and keep data quality high.
The radar systems can see through clouds and work at night, so data keeps coming in on schedule. That’s a must for things like disaster response or maritime monitoring, where waiting just isn’t an option.
Raw SAR data needs heavy processing before it’s useful. Umbra’s ground systems handle this transformation with algorithms that factor in satellite movement, the curve of the Earth, and signal noise.
They process terabytes of satellite data every day through automated workflows. These pipelines turn raw radar into georeferenced images that customers can plug into their mapping systems.
Quality control teams check image accuracy and scrub out artifacts before sending anything to customers. Umbra’s staff keeps an eye on data quality metrics to make sure every image meets their standards.
Processing times change depending on how complex the image is and what the customer wants. Some products are ready just hours after capture.
Umbra tweaks their workflows to hit tight delivery deadlines for urgent jobs.
Umbra teams up with analytics firms like Ursa Space to build specialized apps for radar imagery. These partnerships focus on oil storage monitoring, vessel tracking, and flood assessment.
They offer data under Creative Commons licenses, so customers can share and collaborate freely. This open approach helps researchers and analysts create custom solutions without a bunch of restrictions.
Machine learning algorithms sift through Umbra’s imagery to spot patterns and changes over time. These tools can uncover infrastructure growth, environmental shifts, and signs of human activity from space.
Umbra sticks to producing data—they don’t run analytics services themselves. By focusing on data quality, they let partners handle the industry-specific analysis.
Umbra Space bakes security and operational resilience into every part of its satellite systems and data operations. Their approach blends tough design principles with advanced security features to keep missions running, especially for national security.
Umbra’s constellation architecture keeps operations going through distributed satellite networks and coordinated formations. They fly satellites in tight clusters, unlocking multistatic collection capabilities and redundancy if one satellite hits a snag.
This setup means critical data collection doesn’t stop when a satellite needs maintenance or faces technical trouble. In 2024, their tandem satellite formations released the first commercial bistatic SAR imagery, proving how resilient coordinated operations can be.
Formation flying lets Umbra’s satellites work as one system, not isolated platforms. Satellites in clusters back each other up and keep data collection on track.
With rapid development cycles, Umbra can react quickly to changing mission needs. They switch up collection modes and system configs in near real-time.
Umbra’s security framework tackles the unique challenges of satellite intelligence and data processing. They partner with national security agencies and stick to strict security protocols.
Data processing security includes low-latency transmission to shrink exposure windows during data transfers. Their vertical integration gives them end-to-end security control, from satellite ops to data delivery.
Access controls and encryption protect both satellite command systems and processed data. These steps keep sensitive SAR and RF data safe throughout the pipeline.
Their partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency under the CRADA agreement shows Umbra’s commitment to federal security standards. This collaboration boosts operational readiness while locking down data protection.
Umbra Space works with a wide range of clients—government agencies, commercial businesses, and research groups all use their services. Strategic partnerships help them boost SAR capabilities and reach more markets, from defense to civilian applications.
Umbra keeps close ties with key government agencies. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is one of their standout clients.
They deliver satellite tech and intelligence data as a service for government customers, focusing on SAR imagery for defense and intelligence.
Government contracts usually call for regular data collection missions. Umbra’s SAR satellites pull in images no matter the weather or time, which is a huge plus for national security.
Their government partnerships also extend to civilian agencies, helping to improve Earth observation across federal departments.
Umbra draws in commercial clients looking for solid Earth observation data. SkyWatch and Ursa Space Systems are among their regulars.
They recently joined forces with Astræa to upgrade risk assessment tools. This lets customers blend SAR data with economic overlays for sharper decision-making.
Commercial uses include flood analysis and environmental monitoring. Clients tap into Umbra’s SAR archives to assess risks and plan mitigation.
The commercial sector appreciates Umbra’s ability to tailor data solutions. Companies can ask for specific imaging schedules to match their needs.
Umbra’s biggest collaboration involves Array Labs and Raytheon for 3D Earth observation tech. They kicked this off in January 2025.
Site3D is the flagship product from this trio. It combines Umbra’s SAR, Raytheon’s processing, and Array Labs’ mapping smarts.
The goal? Speed up delivery of 3D geospatial products. Site3D creates three-dimensional models of Earth’s surface using SAR point clouds and digital surface models.
Applications reach into volumetric estimation, change detection, and terrain mapping. They’re aiming for commercial release just months after announcing the partnership.
Together, the partners validate Umbra’s data with advanced processing. They’re building automated tasking, 3D analytics, and visualization tools to make the final products even better.
Umbra Space pushes satellite technology forward through partnerships with defense agencies and bold spacecraft design projects. They play a big part in major government programs and keep developing next-gen SAR for both commercial and defense needs.
Umbra builds advanced SAR satellites that work in tough weather. Their spacecraft can grab high-res images when others can’t, which makes them really valuable for intelligence gathering.
They’re pros at formation flying and multi-static SAR operations. Multiple satellites work together as a team, covering more area and improving detection.
Umbra released bistatic imagery from tandem SAR satellites in 2024, showing they can coordinate multiple spacecraft for better imaging. Now, they’re pushing even further with cooperative satellite ops.
They focus on wide-area search and moving target detection. These features help with maritime surveillance and tracking threats across huge ocean zones.
SpaceWERX picked Umbra for a Strategic Funding Increase in April 2025. STRATFI links private companies with defense agencies to speed up tech development, all within the Small Business Innovation Research framework.
Defense Innovation Unit gives targeted R&D funding over three years to boost Umbra’s SAR capabilities. This support helps bring commercial space tech into military planning faster.
Matching funds through STRATFI could help develop new space capabilities worth up to $60 million. That depends on contracts and co-investment from partners.
Umbra plans to build and launch a satellite constellation for full SAR coverage. The system targets open ocean search-and-find missions, with a focus on Indo-Pacific region operations.
The Space Development Agency works hands-on with Umbra to test new space capabilities. SDA aims to plug Umbra’s commercial remote sensing tech into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Umbra landed a multi-million dollar contract with SDA to show off integration skills. The deal highlights adding high-res SAR satellites to existing defense systems.
Their established SAR tech lays the groundwork for strategic defense initiatives. Umbra’s satellites offer quick, affordable intelligence for military commanders—especially when time is tight.
SDA partnerships help move Umbra’s tech from the lab to real missions. This fast-tracks critical capabilities to military users, leaving old-school acquisition timelines in the dust.
Umbra Space weaves environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance right into how it builds satellites and runs its space operations. The team tackles space debris concerns while sticking closely to federal space regulations and international treaties.
Umbra Space doesn’t sit back when it comes to environmental responsibility in satellite operations. Engineers design satellites with clear end-of-life disposal plans, aiming to avoid adding to the mess of space debris.
Sustainable Satellite Design sits at the heart of Umbra’s environmental game plan. Their satellites come with deorbiting features, so the spacecraft burn up completely during atmospheric reentry.
That way, they keep orbital pollution from piling up.
Ground Operations at Umbra’s facilities focus on energy efficiency. They use sustainable materials whenever possible.
Umbra’s manufacturing sites run waste reduction programs and recycling initiatives.
Space Debris Mitigation remains a big deal for the company. They follow international guidelines and make sure satellites get disposed of within 25 years of finishing a mission.
Satellites carry propulsion systems so Umbra can control deorbiting when missions wrap up.
Umbra Space works under tight federal oversight from several agencies. They run compliance programs that cover both domestic and international space law.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing covers Umbra’s satellite communications systems. The company gets the right spectrum allocations and coordinates with other satellite operators to avoid interference.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees Umbra’s Earth observation capabilities. The team secures licenses for commercial remote sensing operations and data distribution.
International Treaty Compliance means Umbra follows the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements. They keep liability insurance and stick to peaceful use principles for all satellite operations.
Export Control Regulations under ITAR guide how Umbra handles technology transfers and international partnerships.
Umbra has hit major milestones since its start in 2015. They’ve pulled off successful satellite deployments and landed big government contracts.
The company stands out as a leader in synthetic aperture radar tech and Earth observation.
Umbra’s biggest win? Building and running the most capable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation out there right now.
Their microsatellites capture high-res images, even through clouds and at night.
The Space Development Agency picked Umbra for remote sensing integration projects. That partnership helps the agency deliver space-based capabilities for joint warfighter and terrestrial missions.
Umbra didn’t stop at satellite operations. They expanded into custom satellite manufacturing services.
Now, they control the entire production process, from sensors to spacecraft.
In 2023, Umbra pulled in $15.6 million in revenue with a crew of 116 employees. That’s a solid leap from a college-founded startup to a profitable space technology company.
Umbra keeps 100% U.S. ownership and operation. That status puts them in a good spot for government contracts and national security projects.
The company’s reputation as a pioneer in synthetic aperture radar satellite tech keeps growing. Industry publications often spotlight Umbra’s push to advance commercial Earth observation.
Government agencies recognize Umbra’s role in space-based intelligence. Their partnerships with defense organizations show the company’s technical chops and reliability in critical missions.
Umbra Space gets a lot of buzz as an American satellite imaging company building synthetic aperture radar spacecraft. They’ve raised serious funding and compete in the growing commercial Earth observation market with some big names.
Umbra Space is a U.S.-based space tech company that focuses on synthetic aperture radar satellites for Earth observation. They design and build advanced spacecraft systems from scratch in the United States.
Their satellites snap high-resolution radar images of Earth, no matter the weather or time of day. This tech gives them persistent monitoring abilities that optical satellites just can’t match when it’s cloudy or dark.
Umbra leans into rapid satellite customization and full system ownership. Their approach relies on first principles engineering for critical missions that need reliable Earth observation data.
Umbra Space brings in between $15.6 million and $24.2 million in annual revenue, based on recent industry numbers. About 116 people work at the company, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California.
Most of their revenue comes from satellite imagery services and data products for government and commercial clients. They also launched a new Space Systems business unit to bring American-made space tech to more markets.
Financial growth shows there’s rising demand for synthetic aperture radar imagery across defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Their business model blends satellite operations with custom spacecraft manufacturing.
Umbra Space has raised $64.38 million in funding since launching in 2015. Their latest round was a grant, which probably means some government support for their tech development.
The company stays privately owned and keeps attracting investment interest from aerospace-focused venture capital. Their funding goes toward expanding the satellite constellation and developing advanced radar tech.
Investment usually targets institutional investors and strategic partners in the space industry. Umbra’s American manufacturing focus appeals to those interested in domestic space capabilities and national security.
Umbra Space competes in the synthetic aperture radar segment of satellite imaging. That’s a bit different from the optical imaging world, where companies like Planet Labs and Maxar dominate.
Their main competitors include established defense contractors and some up-and-coming commercial radar satellite operators.
Industry analysis lists companies like Mersive, Quantum Metric, and Intellectyx as competitors, but that might be a stretch. Those comparisons could reflect broader tech sector overlap rather than direct satellite imaging rivalry.
Umbra sets itself apart through rapid satellite customization and American manufacturing. This approach appeals to customers who need secure supply chains and tailored mission requirements—things bigger providers might struggle to deliver quickly.
Glassdoor features employee reviews and questions about working at Umbra Space, though ratings and details shift over time. People often ask about company culture, work-life balance, and career growth.
With about 116 employees, Umbra offers a small team vibe typical of fast-growing space tech firms. Job seekers want to know about the technical challenges and the mission-driven work environment.
Employee discussions tend to focus on the company’s rapid growth and the chance to work on cutting-edge satellite tech. The Santa Barbara location also draws talent interested in California’s aerospace scene.
Umbra Space and Capella Space both run synthetic aperture radar satellites. That puts them head-to-head in the commercial radar imaging world.
Capella Space jumped into commercial operations first and launched more satellites so far. Umbra Space, on the other hand, puts a lot of emphasis on rapid customization and offering specialized mission support—they really lean into that as what sets them apart.
When it comes to technical specs and image quality, you’ll find both companies offer sub-meter resolution radar imagery. People usually pick between them based on their mission needs, how they want their data delivered, or pricing—honestly, the core technology isn’t all that different.
