Capella Space is America’s first commercial synthetic aperture radar satellite company. They deliver 24/7 Earth observation using advanced SAR technology.
Their constellation of small satellites can capture high-resolution imagery no matter the weather or time of day. It’s pretty impressive how they just keep working, rain or shine.
Capella Space started up in 2016, focusing on synthetic aperture radar satellites. They quickly became the first U.S. company to build, launch, and operate commercial SAR satellites collecting super high-resolution data.
They really lean into small satellite design and rapid manufacturing. This lets them launch satellites quickly and keep a high revisit rate all over the globe.
Key Company Achievements:
IonQ acquired Capella Space Corporation in August 2025. Now, the combined company is developing space-based quantum key distribution networks while Capella keeps running its core SAR operations.
Capella Space builds advanced SAR satellites to speed up global intelligence and decision-making. Their mission is all about protecting people, assets, and the planet with responsive satellite imagery.
They’re big on the idea of “No Cloudy Days”—showing off SAR’s ability to see through clouds and bad weather. While optical satellites get stuck when it’s cloudy or dark, Capella’s radar sensors just keep going.
Core Capabilities:
Capella turns raw satellite data into actionable intelligence. They work with defense, intelligence, insurance, maritime, and humanitarian organizations.
Capella Space runs as a private American company. Their headquarters focus on satellite design and manufacturing.
They have an in-house engineering team that handles the whole satellite lifecycle—from design to deployment.
Their organizational structure supports quick scaling of their satellite constellations. This flexibility lets Capella adapt to customer needs fast, without getting bogged down by old systems or outside dependencies.
Operational Focus Areas:
Capella’s leadership really cares about customer experience and mission success. They provide direct support for government and commercial clients, making sure data delivery matches operational requirements.
Their team structure helps them react quickly to changing market demands, keeping service quality steady across all customer segments.
Capella Space operates a growing constellation of SAR satellites, delivering global Earth observation with synthetic aperture radar. They plan to scale up to 30 satellites based on demand and have already launched 15 as of August 2024.
Capella’s satellites orbit in sun-synchronous and polar orbits to maximize coverage. The sun-synchronous setup keeps lighting consistent for imaging, while polar orbits let them watch high-latitude regions.
They designed the constellation for high-cadence revisits using smart orbital placement. Each satellite carries X-band SAR sensors, running in spotlight, sliding spotlight, and stripmap modes.
Key orbital characteristics:
Polar orbits help with ice monitoring and ship traffic at high latitudes. This dual-orbit approach lets Capella serve both commercial and government clients all over the world.
Capella keeps pushing new generations of SAR satellites with better capabilities each time. The first prototype, Capella 1 (Denali), launched in December 2018 to test their tech.
The Capella 2-10 series (Sequoia, Whitney) came next, with bigger satellites and improved sensors. These are about twice the size of the original, packing more radar punch.
The latest Acadia generation launched in 2023, bringing design and manufacturing upgrades. These third-gen satellites offer sharper resolution and cover broader swaths than earlier models.
Every generation builds on the last, taking lessons from real on-orbit experience. Their fast manufacturing-to-launch process means they can expand quickly and roll out new tech without much delay.
Capella Space keeps a busy launch schedule, rolling out new satellites every year. In 2024, they knocked out three missions, growing the constellation fast.
Recent launch milestones:
Those August 2024 launches happened just five days apart, which is pretty wild. Capella-15 made first contact only 12 minutes after deployment, showing off how smoothly they operate.
Rocket Lab has handled five launches for Capella, even customizing fairings and separation systems. Capella plans to keep expanding, especially with new opportunities in the UAE and international markets.
Capella Space runs advanced X-band synthetic aperture radar systems, delivering sub-meter resolution imagery any time, any weather. Their proprietary X-SAR instrument offers multiple imaging modes and some of the best specs for commercial Earth observation.
Synthetic aperture radar works by sending microwave pulses to Earth and measuring the signals that bounce back. This active sensing doesn’t depend on sunlight and can see through clouds, smoke, and atmospheric mess.
SAR systems generate their own light at chosen radar frequencies. X-band radar runs between 8-12 GHz, which is great for detailed surface analysis.
The satellite moves along its orbit, collecting radar pulses that algorithms merge together. This trick makes it seem like the antenna is much larger, so you get sharper images than you’d expect from a small satellite.
SAR data includes both amplitude and phase info from reflected signals. This combo enables advanced stuff like interferometry and change detection—things optical imagery just can’t do.
Capella’s X-SAR instrument delivers top-notch SAR image quality thanks to smart design and signal processing. The system hits Noise Equivalent Sigma Zero (NESZ) values below -20 dB, so targets pop out clearly against the background.
X-SAR supports dual polarization, sending and receiving both horizontal and vertical signals. This boosts target identification and classification.
Their satellites keep tight attitude control and precise orbits for consistent high-resolution SAR imagery. Proprietary calibration cuts down on system noise and improves radiometric accuracy.
With advanced onboard processing, they compress data and form preliminary images in real time. That means less downlink bandwidth and fast data delivery.
Capella offers three main imaging modes, each for different needs:
Spotlight Mode delivers the sharpest images at 0.5-meter ground sample distance. It locks the radar beam on a fixed area as the satellite passes, perfect for detailed small-target analysis.
Sliding Spotlight Mode balances resolution (1-meter) and coverage. It handles bigger areas than spotlight while keeping decent detail.
Stripmap Mode covers the widest swaths, with 1-2 meter resolution. It keeps the radar at a fixed angle along the satellite’s ground track, so you get continuous imaging.
| Mode | Resolution | Coverage Area | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotlight | 0.5m | 5km x 5km | Detailed analysis |
| Sliding Spotlight | 1m | 10km x 10km | Balanced operations |
| Stripmap | 1-2m | 30km+ width | Wide area mapping |
Each mode provides calibrated SAR data with consistent standards. Capella’s automated pipelines handle radiometric corrections and geometric fixes, so images arrive ready for analysis.
Capella Space delivers advanced SAR data in multiple formats, with leading resolution and fully automated systems. Their constellation produces 50 cm resolution imagery with superior noise reduction and a pretty streamlined delivery process.
Capella gives SAR data in detected and complex formats for different analysis needs. Detected formats include SIDD, GEO, GEC, and CSI—ready for immediate visualization and analysis.
Complex formats like SICD, SLC, and CPHD preserve phase info for advanced processing. Users can do interferometric analysis and deep signal processing with these.
The Colorized Sub-aperture Image (CSI) format is a unique twist. CSI splits the synthetic aperture into sub-apertures from different angles, coloring each angle to boost visual contrast.
This method helps reveal hidden manmade objects and moving targets. CSI data comes as geocoded, terrain-corrected GeoTIFF files, making it easy to use with existing geospatial software.
Capella achieves 50 cm x 50 cm resolution with its SAR imagery. Spotlight Ultra mode pushes it further, hitting 0.25 meter azimuth resolution with up to 52 seconds of dwell time. That longer look captures fine details, even motion or hidden stuff.
They keep NESZ performance at the top of the market, so images stay clear and background noise is low. You can spot smaller objects and subtle terrain changes.
Capella offers four main collection modes with different resolutions and coverage. Spotlight mode is all about high-res imagery for speed and volume, while Spotlight Wide covers larger areas at medium resolution.
Stripmap mode gives you the most coverage for baseline mapping and land use. Scene sizes range from tight focus to strips 5-8km wide and up to 100km long.
Capella’s fully automated tasking system takes manual work out of the equation. The platform enables quick, hands-off SAR collection through automated uplink. Users can set up repeat tasking for ongoing monitoring of specific spots.
Their constellation can revisit the same area up to five times a day. That’s huge for timely data collection in fast-moving situations. They keep running 24/7, no matter the weather.
Capella’s web Console and flexible API make data access simple. The platform has self-serve catalog search and customizable tools, so users can plug Capella data right into their existing workflows.
Security is built in, with end-to-end encryption and anonymous tasking options. The automated delivery system speeds up the path from data to insight, thanks to efficient processing workflows.
Capella Space delivers high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imagery through automated platforms. They offer seamless integration options for businesses that need reliable data.
You’ll find multiple data formats and direct API access to fit all sorts of commercial applications. Honestly, it’s pretty flexible.
Capella Space gives customers access to commercial SAR data using its web Console and flexible API systems. You can search the catalog or request new imagery collections with the self-serve tools.
The platform supports automated repeat tasking for ongoing monitoring projects. This setup lets you analyze surface changes consistently, and you don’t have to keep checking in manually.
Available data formats include:
Capella offers four main collection types, each with different resolutions. Spotlight Ultra provides 0.25-meter azimuth resolution, which is great for detailed object detection.
Spotlight delivers high-resolution imagery optimized for volume and speed. Spotlight Wide covers more ground, with scene sizes from 5-8km by 20-100km.
Stripmap gives you the broadest coverage, so it’s handy for baseline mapping.
Commercial clients get secure, anonymized tasking with end-to-end encryption. The automated delivery system shortens the time from request to insight by handling uplink processes automatically.
Capella’s commercial SAR data drops right into popular geospatial software. The imagery comes as geocoded, terrain-corrected GeoTIFF files, ready for analysis.
The CSI format highlights manmade structures and moving objects using color enhancement. This tech splits the synthetic aperture into sub-apertures, each captured from a different angle.
You can tap into vessel classification features powered by high-resolution SAR imagery. The system picks up and classifies military and commercial vessels across ports, shipping lanes, and even exclusive economic zones.
Integration features include:
The platform delivers market-leading Noise Equivalent Sigma Zero performance. Users notice low noise levels, which really helps with image contrast and sharpness.
Capella Space uses advanced SAR technology to track surface changes on Earth. Their automated detection systems and persistent monitoring make a big difference.
High-resolution imagery lets you analyze environmental shifts, infrastructure development, and security-related activities anywhere on the planet.
Capella runs a constellation of SAR satellites that grab imagery no matter the weather or time of day. The satellites collect data around the clock, building time-series datasets that reveal changes over specific spots.
SAR technology cuts through clouds, fog, and darkness to keep monitoring on schedule. This comes in handy for remote places where optical satellites just can’t keep up.
Their mission awareness system lets operators check upcoming satellite passes and pick the best imaging times. You can schedule repeat collections at set intervals to keep an eye on your areas of interest.
Repeat tasking ensures each image covers the same footprint with identical acquisition geometry. This consistency removes the usual distortions that make change analysis tricky.
Back in April 2022, Capella rolled out automated Change Detection on its self-serve Console platform. The system runs statistical analysis to spot and highlight differences between pairs of SAR images.
Once a second image is available, the platform automatically generates change detection products. Color-coded visualizations help analysts find new construction, land use changes, and equipment movement fast.
You can use these tools through the Capella Console, Analytics App, or API—no SAR expertise needed. Automation skips the usual headaches of manual scheduling and complicated software.
High-resolution SAR imagery picks up subtle changes you might miss with just visual analysis. The system finds unauthorized activities, infrastructure growth, and patterns of human activity in strategic spots.
The Global Change Monitoring product blends data from ESA’s Sentinel-1 SAR satellites with Capella’s own constellation. This combo offers solid coverage for big monitoring jobs.
Automated processing chews through massive image datasets without human help. The system flags changes in targeted locations, so analysts can focus on what really matters.
Capella gives you five times more image capacity than other commercial SAR providers. This lets you evaluate large areas quickly with an automated workflow.
Analytics products include vessel detection, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental change assessment. Government agencies, research institutions, and commercial organizations all use these capabilities.
Capella’s SAR satellite constellation delivers critical intelligence for defense operations, maritime surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Their all-weather imaging gives you 24/7 coverage, something optical satellites just can’t do.
Defense agencies count on Capella’s SAR data for ongoing surveillance. The satellites see through clouds and darkness, monitoring sensitive locations at all hours.
Pattern of life analysis is a key use case. Military analysts use consistent revisit times to track movement patterns at strategic sites. This helps them understand routines and spot changes in activity.
Site monitoring is another big one. Capella’s constellation observes military installations, border regions, and other high-security areas with sub-0.25 meter resolution. The sharp imagery reveals infrastructure changes and equipment movements in detail.
Intelligence teams get rapid data access. With revisit times under three hours over key regions, defense customers get timely info for mission planning. The automated tasking platform lets agencies redirect satellites toward new situations quickly.
Damage verification helps military operations assess the effects of strikes or natural disasters on important assets.
Capella’s satellites track vessels across global shipping lanes and coastlines. SAR technology spots ships regardless of weather or time of day.
Maritime authorities use the data to catch illegal fishing activities in protected waters. The satellites detect vessels running without transponders or operating in restricted zones. This supports enforcement of fishing quotas and marine resource protection.
Port monitoring gives insights into shipping patterns. Logistics companies analyze vessel arrivals and departures to streamline supply chains. Reliable coverage helps predict cargo flows and spot potential delays.
Coast guard agencies use Capella for search and rescue. The satellites find distressed vessels even in storms or fog, when other methods can’t. Emergency teams get precise coordinates for quicker rescues.
Oil spill detection is another use case. Radar signals pick up surface contamination patterns, flagging environmental hazards that need fast response.
Environmental agencies rely on Capella’s SAR data to track landscape changes over time. The satellites monitor deforestation, urban growth, and natural disaster impacts with steady accuracy.
Infrastructure monitoring helps utility companies keep critical systems running. The satellites detect ground subsidence around pipelines and spot changes in bridges and dams. Early warnings can prevent costly failures and safety issues.
Agriculture benefits, too. Crop monitoring and yield estimation get a boost from SAR data. Farmers and traders analyze vegetation patterns to predict harvests. All-weather imaging means you can monitor crops throughout the season.
Post-disaster assessment gives emergency teams the info they need. Insurance companies use damage verification to process claims after hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. First responders access updated imagery to plan rescue operations and resource deployment.
Energy sector monitoring tracks oil and gas operations in remote areas. Companies verify equipment status and detect unauthorized activity at production sites, all without sending people into risky zones.
Capella Space pairs artificial intelligence with high-res SAR imagery to automate ship identification and boost maritime surveillance. Their specialized imaging turns complex radar into visuals analysts can actually use.
Capella launched its AI-powered Vessel Classification system in May 2024. The tech automatically identifies and categorizes ships in high-res SAR images—no humans needed.
The system plugs right into Capella’s secure web platform and API. You can order vessel analysis at the same time you request new satellite imagery. This streamlines the whole process, cutting down the time between capturing images and getting intelligence.
Key capabilities include:
EMSI backs up the classification algorithms with decades of SAR know-how. Their expertise from defense and intelligence now powers commercial applications.
The automated system lets analysts skip manual detection and focus on what matters. You know exactly where ships are and what types you’re looking at in each image.
Capella’s CSI tech translates complex SAR data into visuals that are much easier to interpret. Colorized imagery pops out features and textures in radar returns.
CSI bundles multiple data layers into a single package. These files include both the processed imagery and the metadata you need for analysis in standard GIS software.
The CSI format offers several advantages:
You can view CSI imagery right through Capella’s console. The system even gives tips for the best viewing settings in different GIS apps.
This technology opens up SAR imagery to organizations without radar specialists. Users can pull out meaningful intelligence from high-res SAR images without a steep learning curve.
Capella Space delivers satellite imagery through a cloud-native platform that puts SAR data in users’ hands fast. Their automated system cuts out traditional delays with self-service tools and strong security.
Capella Console acts as the main web portal for accessing synthetic aperture radar imagery. You can search the image library, filter results, and preview full-res imagery before purchasing.
The platform streams previews instead of just showing thumbnails. That means you can check image quality and scene content in real time. You’ll know if the imagery fits your needs before you buy.
Key Console Features:
The interface supports both archive access and new satellite tasking requests. Customers submit acquisition requests straight through the console—no need to call sales or wait for processing.
Capella’s platform runs on full automation from order to delivery. The system processes requests without human involvement, cutting out the long waits that often come with satellite imagery orders.
Automated Capabilities:
The Capella API uses REST architecture with endpoints for catalog search and data access. Developers can slot these services into enterprise systems or government networks. The API lets you build automated workflows for analytics and geospatial intelligence.
Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF format makes it easy to grab just the parts of large datasets you need. You don’t have to download whole files if you only want a specific area.
Capella Space bakes security into mission operations and the online platform. Customer interactions stay private and anonymized from start to finish.
The platform sticks to confidentiality standards that government and commercial users expect. All data transmission uses encryption to protect sensitive info during transfer and storage.
Security Features:
TileDB Cloud adds another layer of security for developers using open SAR datasets. The environment gives secure access to analysis-ready data arrays designed for scalable computations and distributed processing.
Capella Space has built strategic alliances with government, commercial, and research partners to push SAR technology into new areas. They’ve landed some big defense contracts, like a $15 million agreement with the Air Force, and teamed up with the Defense Innovation Unit to boost imaging capabilities.
Capella Space works closely with several U.S. defense agencies. They scored a $15 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop next-gen SAR sensors for the HALO program.
They joined forces with the Defense Innovation Unit to improve synthetic aperture radar imaging for the Hybrid Space Architecture. This project aims to deliver fast, wide-area SAR imagery using Capella’s automated tasking system.
Capella helped found the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center. At the National Space Symposium, they showed off their sensors’ ability to detect both space and ground anomalies.
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency kicked off a research partnership with Capella through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. It’s NGA’s first research deal with an American commercial SAR data company using small satellites.
In 2024, Capella ramped up partnerships with top analytics companies. Notable collaborations include Preligens, TCarta, Floodbase, and SATIM—all tackling real-world problems.
These partnerships fuel solutions from ocean conservation to AI-powered object detection. You can really see SAR data spreading into all sorts of industries now.
Capella rolled out a Vessel Classification model with EMSI. This new tool identifies vessels with more detail than older systems ever managed.
TCarta brings expertise in marine applications, while Floodbase focuses on disaster monitoring. Preligens adds AI for automated object recognition in SAR images.
Capella’s teams have been experimenting with Interferometric SAR for scientific research. One recent project analyzed ground deformation in Paris using InSAR tech.
Their analytics partners support environmental monitoring and conservation. Ocean conservation projects use SAR data to help protect marine ecosystems.
The Floodbase partnership powers disaster response applications. They deliver important flooding data for emergency management and humanitarian relief.
Research projects keep pushing SAR tech beyond the usual military and commercial uses. There’s real potential here for environmental science and public safety.
Capella Space keeps pushing synthetic aperture radar technology forward, with new satellites set to launch in late 2026. They’re focusing on better data processing tools and finding more ways to use SAR across different industries.
Capella Space plans to roll out advanced satellites in late 2026, aiming to take Earth observation to the next level. These new systems build on the current Acadia satellite lineup.
In 2024, they launched three Acadia satellites, showing off just how quickly they can get hardware into orbit. In one week, they launched and commissioned two satellites—pretty impressive, honestly.
Some of the key tech upgrades:
The U.S. Air Force invested $15 million in Capella to speed up development of next-gen SAR sensors. This STRATFI funding helps fast-track their satellite innovation plans.
Capella also landed funding from the DIU’s Hybrid Space Architecture initiative. They’ll get up to $4.2 million to develop new SAR imaging modes for maritime awareness.
Capella rolled out big updates to its API and Console platform throughout 2024. Now, customers have more flexible and powerful tools for analyzing data.
New collection features:
They launched a vessel classification model with EMSI. This tool goes beyond just spotting vessels—it identifies them in detail.
Archive subscriptions let customers access historical imagery data on flexible terms. You’ll get notified automatically when new archive images pop up for your selected regions.
Capella’s teams ran InSAR experiments in Paris, looking at ground deformation. These tests show SAR’s growing role in urban monitoring and infrastructure checks.
Capella Space tackles some big gaps in SAR knowledge and use across different sectors. Their partnerships with analytics firms drive real solutions in ocean conservation and AI-driven object detection.
Strategic collaborations with Preligens, TCarta, Floodbase, and SATIM show how SAR data is catching on in more industries, from environmental monitoring to defense.
As a founding member of Space ISAC, Capella pitches in on space asset protection. They’ve shown how their sensors can spot threats by detecting anomalies in space and on the ground.
Capella raised $60 million in growth equity from the U.S. Innovative Technology Fund. This funding helps grow their imaging capacity and develop new data products as demand rises.
IonQ’s acquisition of Capella brings their satellite tech into the quantum networking world. The goal? To build the first global space-based quantum key distribution network for both government and commercial use.
Capella Space has become a leading synthetic aperture radar satellite company since its founding in 2016. They’re based in San Francisco and deliver advanced imaging that works through clouds and darkness for government and commercial clients.
Capella Space delivers synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery services. Their satellites capture high-resolution images no matter the weather or time of day.
They operate a constellation of small satellites to provide regular Earth observation data worldwide. Clients can request images of specific places at specific times right through Capella’s platform.
The company also offers archive data from previous satellite passes over areas of interest. You can pick from different image resolutions to fit your needs, from one-meter to five-meter, depending on the job.
Capella processes raw radar data into formats you can use immediately. No waiting around.
Capella’s SAR technology lets their satellites image Earth’s surface at night and through clouds. Optical satellites just can’t do that—if it’s dark or cloudy, you’re out of luck.
Their radar signals cut through weather that would block optical images. Customers get reliable data, rain or shine, which is a huge plus for regular monitoring.
They use X-band radar, so you get excellent detail on structures and vehicles. The tech can spot changes on the ground and pick out objects based on radar signatures. That’s a big help in agriculture, defense, and infrastructure monitoring.
Capella Space really kicked off the commercial SAR market by launching the first American commercial SAR satellites. They proved that small satellites can deliver quality radar imaging at a fraction of the cost of the big ones.
Their approach made SAR data accessible to smaller organizations and researchers. Before Capella, only big agencies or corporations could afford regular SAR imagery.
They attracted investment and attention to the broader commercial space imaging sector. The funding they raised helped build out their satellite constellation and boosted confidence in commercial space ventures.
Capella Space has 19 investors, including US Innovative Technology Fund and Manhattan Venture Partners. These backers support expanding the satellite constellation and driving tech development.
They work with government agencies that need regular Earth observation. These partnerships help make Capella a reliable supplier for national security applications.
Capella also teams up with software companies to integrate SAR data into analytics platforms. This makes it easier for end users to access and analyze satellite imagery, opening up new markets and uses.
Government clients use Capella’s images for border monitoring, disaster response, and security. The all-weather capability means they get continuous coverage, no matter what.
Private sector clients turn to SAR data for agriculture, oil and gas, and maritime tracking. Farmers monitor crops and soil moisture, while energy companies keep an eye on infrastructure—even in remote spots.
Capella’s rapid tasking feature lets clients request images fast when something’s happening. Emergency teams can see disaster zones within hours, making quick decisions when it really matters.
Capella Space recently went through a funding event that got classified as an acquisition, at least according to their company profile. Before that, they raised money in several investment rounds to push forward their satellite constellation plans.
These investments helped them launch and run their SAR satellite network.
Right now, the company has 127 employees, based on the latest directory data. Macy Glassford, the CEO, leads the company’s strategy and growth.
The team size really shows off Capella’s technical chops and the scale they’re working at.
Capella Space keeps building out its Knowledge Base and customer support tools, hoping users will get more out of SAR data. They offer plenty of guidance on satellite tasking, data access, and product formats.
With these resources, more customers are jumping on board and actually making SAR imagery work for them.
