The Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen Umbra, a vertically integrated space technology business, to advance to Phase II of the Distributed Radar Image Formation Technology (DRIFT) program. This noteworthy accomplishment highlights Umbra’s critical role in developing state-of-the-art capabilities for DARPA’s goal of developing game-changing technologies for national security.
The innovative processing algorithms have been made possible by the DRIFT program, which makes use of data from several Umbra Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites that are flown in formation. Umbra’s proficiency with remote sensing space systems and its dedication to continually pushing the boundaries of innovation are demonstrated by these U.S. capabilities breakthroughs in formation flying and joint collection approaches.
Umbra’s SAR satellites will produce bistatic and multi-static information for additional analysis by DARPA and its partner contractors in the DRIFT program during Phase II, which comprises a thorough multi-month collection campaign. Umbra will perform an on-orbit demonstration of its developed multi-static capabilities to mark the end of Phase II.
Vice President of Global Solutions at Umbra, Jason Mallare, emphasized his excitement by saying, “We’re honoured to support DARPA’s goal by utilizing elite American capabilities for asymmetric advantage. We advance thanks to Umbra’s unique technology and unwavering focus on technological advancement. We are enthusiastic about what this technology and related capabilities can bring to Umbra and the country in the future.
Umbra published bistatic images from its tandem satellites in March. Umbra intends to launch the remaining six satellites in its 32-satellite constellation, which it has a license for into carefully planned pairings. Umbra’s SAR satellites, which have the rare capacity to take pictures day or night and in any weather, are essential for tracking change. Umbra’s satellites provide the best possible synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data in previously unheard-of numbers and densities, giving the US government, its allies, and business partners access to actionable, all-weather intelligence.
