Capella Space Secures $15M US Air Force Contract to Modernize SAR Sensor Technology

Capella Space, a leader in Earth observation services using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, has been awarded a $15 million contract by the U.S. Air Force.

The contract, part of the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program, is aimed at advancing Capella Space’s sensor and data collection technologies to better serve military applications. The award was made by AFWERX, an innovation organization within the U.S. Air Force that supports small businesses developing cutting-edge technology for military use.

The funding will drive the development of next-generation SAR sensor technology, according to a statement released by Capella Space.

“This new sensor will deliver enhanced resolution and key features requested by SAR users. New features include lower latency delivery via increased data downlink, and dual-polarization operation,” - Capella Space

Advancing Earth Observation with Dual-Polarization

One of the major technological advancements Capella Space aims to implement is dual-polarization, a sophisticated radar imaging technique that can be likened to a multi-lens camera. This technology enhances the ability to gather detailed information from the surface being observed, providing richer data than traditional single-polarization SAR systems. It is designed to extract more meaningful insights about the characteristics of targets on the ground.

Capella Space’s advanced sensor technology is poised to improve applications across multiple fields, including defense, agriculture, environmental monitoring, geology, oceanography, and disaster response.

“The new technology will unlock enhanced feature detection and classification across a wide range of applications" - Capella Space

Impact for Military and Civilian Applications

Capella Space’s SAR technology is renowned for its ability to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions. Its capacity to penetrate clouds and deliver precise imaging, even in darkness, sets it apart from other Earth observation platforms. These capabilities are highly sought after by industries and government agencies needing reliable data for decision-making.

For military and defense purposes, the enhancements in Capella’s SAR system could provide a significant edge, offering better situational awareness and more accurate intelligence gathering. The improvements in latency and resolution will allow for faster, clearer insights, particularly in mission-critical operations where time and precision are paramount.

Supporting Innovation in National Security

The STRATFI agreement awarded by AFWERX underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions from small businesses to strengthen national security.

Capella Space, founded in 2016, has been at the forefront of developing SAR technology for commercial and defense use, steadily building a reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality Earth observation data.

This contract will enable Capella Space to further refine its SAR sensor technology, advancing the company’s efforts to meet the evolving needs of both the military and the broader commercial market. The company’s growing satellite constellation, combined with its ability to deliver near-real-time imagery, positions it as a critical asset for a wide range of industries and government operations.

As Capella Space continues to push the boundaries of SAR imaging, the company’s partnership with the U.S. Air Force serves as a testament to the increasing demand for advanced Earth observation capabilities in both military and civilian sectors.