Umbra

Umbra

Provides real-time SAR satellite imagery data

Overview

Umbra builds high-resolution SAR microsatellites for real-time Earth observation. Its satellites use Synthetic Aperture Radar to capture radar imagery day or night and through clouds, delivering precise data for applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security. Data is accessed via subscriptions and customized imaging services, with customers including government agencies, private firms, and research institutions. The company operates end-to-end, overseeing the development, launch, and operation of its SAR satellites, and provides imagery through a platform or data feeds. Unlike competitors who may offer optical imagery or smaller-scale sensors, Umbra specializes in SAR microsatellites that provide all-weather, high-resolution radar data in real time. The goal is to help solve global challenges by supplying reliable, timely satellite observations that support decision-making and strategic planning.

About Umbra

Simplify's Rating
Why Umbra is rated
C+
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated D+ on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Government & Public Sector

Aerospace

Defense

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$46.5M

Headquarters

Santa Barbara, California

Founded

2015

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Umbra’s August 2026 NRO contract follows four years and 100,000 government images.
  • Fairfax County approved Umbra’s $6.75 million expansion on February 12, 2026.
  • Goleta’s 50,000-square-foot factory and Space Systems unit raise production capacity for 2025 launches.

What critics are saying

  • The NRO contract runs only one year, with two optional renewals through July 2029.
  • Umbra faces Capella and ICEYE after the NRO split awarded three SAR vendors.
  • Defense revenue concentration makes any NRO or SDA slip existential before 2027.

What makes Umbra unique

  • Umbra’s 25 cm SAR constellation delivers all-weather imagery, day or night, from space.
  • On August 5, 2026, NRO chose Umbra for sole-source radar augmentation services.
  • Reflex Aerospace and e-GEOS partnerships extend Umbra into Europe and allied geospatial markets.

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Funding

Total Funding

$46.5M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

3 Rounds

Grant funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Grant Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Remote Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
PR Newswire
Aug 5th, 2026
Umbra wins sole-source NRO contract for radar commercial augmentation services

Umbra, an American space technology company, has secured a sole-source contract from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for radar commercial augmentation services. The contract follows four years of partnership during which Umbra provided over 100,000 images to support US operations worldwide. Under the firm-fixed-price agreement, Umbra will deliver high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imagery with rapid revisit and low latency to government users. The contract includes a one-year base period with two one-year options. Umbra operates from facilities in Santa Barbara and recently expanded with a 20,000-square-foot site in Reston, Virginia, and a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in California. The company's SAR constellation provides all-weather imaging capabilities to support US national security missions.

Tysons Today
Feb 12th, 2026
Space Technology Company Umbra to Invest $6.75 Million To Establish Operations in Fairfax County

Space technology company Umbra to invest $6.75 million to establish operations in Fairfax County. Fairfax County Economic Development Authority February 12 Talk of Tysons New Reston Facility Will Accelerate U.S. Space Innovation and Create More Than 100 New High-Tech Jobs Umbra, a leading U.S. space technology company specializing in advanced remote sensing and resilient satellite systems, will invest $6.75 million in Fairfax County to expand their presence in Northern Virginia to support U.S. space innovation. The company will open a new 20,000 square-foot office in Reston, strengthening the region's role as a leading hub for the nation's space and defense industries. "As demand increases for high-performance, U.S.-built space systems, Umbra is proud to expand our operations in Northern Virginia," said David Langan, CEO of Umbra. "A decade ago, we set out to transform how remote sensing data is delivered, and we have consistently raised the bar for speed, quality, and reliability. Today, Umbra leads in modern mesh antenna technology and persistent remote sensing capabilities that support critical national security and commercial missions. This expansion strengthens our ability to grow our team, hire top talent across the region, and build on our track record of delivering resilient systems faster and more cost-effectively. We're grateful for our partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, and this investment marks an important step in our growth." The Fairfax County expansion will create more than 100 high-tech jobs, with employees supporting Umbra's rapidly growing remote sensing data and custom satellite systems divisions. "We are honored that Umbra has chosen Fairfax County for their next phase of growth," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. "Fairfax County has quietly become home to one of the nation's most concentrated space ecosystems, with more than 150 companies supporting space-related missions, and over half of them choosing to expand or relocate here in just the past few years," Chairman McKay continued. "This momentum reflects the depth of talent, trusted partnerships, and proximity to the agencies shaping the future of space here in Northern Virginia. We are grateful for Umbra's investment and for the role they play in strengthening a community that understands both the responsibility and opportunity of supporting the nation's space priorities." Founded in Santa Barbara, California, in 2015, Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems - from sensors to spacecraft - that empower customers worldwide with access to high-resolution radar data from space. Umbra's next-level accuracy and agility are powered by the company's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, which is capable of providing industry-leading 25cm resolution. With customers across commercial and military sectors, Umbra supports critical missions by delivering accurate and timely information to customers. "Umbra represents the kind of transformative leadership and critical momentum shaping the future of the space economy, and we are humbled to welcome the company to Fairfax County," said Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. "Umbra's work supports critical space missions and reflects the growing alignment between commercial capability and national priorities," Hoskins continued. "Their investment in Fairfax County strengthens Northern Virginia's role as a trusted platform for advancing the nation's space efforts, and we look forward to the impact this next chapter will deliver." Fairfax County Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Fairfax County. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund (COF) to assist Fairfax County with the project. Funding and services to support the company's employee recruitment and training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). "Umbra's expansion in Fairfax County underscores Virginia's growing role as a hub for the nation's space and defense industries," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "By adding new space in Reston to support more than 100 new Virginia jobs, Umbra is deepening its commitment to the Commonwealth and to the mission-critical work that keeps our nation secure. This investment reinforces Northern Virginia's reputation as a cluster for advanced satellite systems, resilient space technologies, and the world-class talent that drives them." About Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as one of the world's top locations for business and talent, and offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. FCEDA is headquartered in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest business district, and maintains representatives in key global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, and Seoul. For more information about FCEDA, visit www.fairfaxcountyeda.org, or follow Lwv Fairfax on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Feb 12th, 2026
Space Technology Company Umbra Expands Virginia Operations with $6.75 Million Investment in Fairfax County

Space technology company Umbra expands Virginia operations with $6.75 million investment in Fairfax County. February 12, 2026 RICHMOND, VA - Umbra, a leading U.S. space technology company specializing in advanced remote sensing and resilient satellite systems, will expand its Northern Virginia presence with a $6.75 million investment and more than 100 new jobs in Fairfax County. Building on its existing Arlington headquarters, Umbra will add a new 20,000-square-foot office in Reston. "Umbra's expansion in Fairfax County underscores Virginia's growing role as a hub for the nation's space and defense industries," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "By adding new space in Reston to support more than 100 new Virginia jobs, Umbra is deepening its commitment to the Commonwealth and to the mission-critical work that keeps our nation secure. This investment reinforces Northern Virginia's reputation as a cluster for advanced satellite systems, resilient space technologies, and the world-class talent that drives them." "The Commonwealth is home to the nation's most dynamic space and defense ecosystems thanks to existing businesses like Umbra," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "The company's expansion in Fairfax County will tap into one of the country's deepest pools of defense and technical talent while benefiting from the region's proximity to customers, decision-makers, and research partners. We look forward to supporting this industry leader's growth in Northern Virginia." "As demand increases for high-performance, U.S.-built space systems, Umbra is proud to expand our operations in Northern Virginia," said Umbra CEO David Langan. "A decade ago, we set out to transform how remote sensing data is delivered, and we have consistently raised the bar for speed, quality, and reliability. Today, Umbra leads in modern mesh antenna technology and persistent remote sensing capabilities that support critical national security and commercial missions. This expansion strengthens our ability to grow our team, hire top talent across the region, and build on our track record of delivering resilient systems faster and more cost-effectively. We're grateful for our partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, and this investment marks an important step in our growth." Founded in Santa Barbara, California in 2015, Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems - from sensors to spacecraft - that empower customers worldwide with access to high-resolution radar data from space. Umbra's next-level accuracy and agility are powered by the company's synthetic aperture radar satellite constellation, which can provide industry-leading 25 cm resolution. With customers across commercial and military sectors, Umbra supports critical missions by delivering accurate and timely information to customers. "We are honored that Umbra has chosen Fairfax County for their next phase of growth," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. "Fairfax County has quietly become home to one of the nation's most concentrated space ecosystems, with more than 150 companies supporting space-related missions, and over half of them choosing to expand or relocate here in just the past few years. This momentum reflects the depth of talent, trusted partnerships, and proximity to the agencies shaping the future of space here in Northern Virginia. We are grateful for Umbra's investment and for the role they play in strengthening a community that understands both the responsibility and opportunity of supporting the nation's space priorities." "I'm thrilled that Umbra, a leading space technology company, will open a 20,000-square-foot office in Reston," said Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra. "Their decision further demonstrates that Fairfax County offers a growing, viable community that is central to technology and economic growth for the Commonwealth. We wholeheartedly welcome our new neighbor and partner." "I am pleased to welcome the innovative space technology company, Umbra, into the 38th District and am confident they will enjoy being situated in Reston, long known for its thriving community-focused atmosphere," said Senator Jennifer Boysko. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Spanberger approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County with the project. Funding and services to support the company's employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

V1 Media
Dec 12th, 2025
e-GEOS and Umbra Team Up to Deliver Innovative Geospatial Intelligence Solutions

e-GEOS and Umbra team up to deliver innovative geospatial intelligence solutions. e-GEOS, a provider of value-added Earth Observation services across the entire value chain part of the Leonardo Group, and Umbra have signed a multi-year strategic agreement to jointly develop innovative geospatial intelligence solutions for customers worldwide. The deal will combine the high revisit frequency, resolution and wide coverage offered by the First and Second Generation COSMO-SkyMed satellites - a SAR program of the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defense for which e-GEOS is the exclusive licensee of data for commercial users - with Umbra's agile SAR constellation and imagery. In doing so, Umbra and e-GEOS will deliver unprecedented global coverage, giving users faster, more precise, and more reliable situational awareness in any condition, day or night. Additionally, e-GEOS will apply its proprietary artificial intelligence solutions to Umbra's SAR data to develop and introduce new analytics products to the market. This collaboration is fully aligned with Leonardo's strategy to leverage artificial intelligence and advanced Geoinformation from Space data to enable secure, resilient and sustainable decision-making for institutions, industries and communities. "This partnership stems from a shared vision and deep mutual trust: e-GEOS and Umbra share the best of their experience to develop solutions that not only unite two constellations, but also two cultures of innovation," commented Milena Lerario, CEO of e-GEOS. "The collaboration between the two companies brings together the highest resolution commercial SAR constellations in the world, creating an unprecedented technological synergy: a real laboratory of innovation, which can generate new services, predictive models and monitoring capabilities at very high resolution and revisit frequency, with concrete benefits for the most complex missions and the most strategic needs at a global level. e-GEOS thus reinforces its commitment to driving forward the technological evolution of geoinformation solutions, in full coherence with Leonardo's strategic vision for Space".

Umbra
Aug 11th, 2025
Umbra Launches New Space Systems Business Unit with Flight-Proven, American-Made Hardware for Operators Worldwide

Salt Lake City, Utah - Aug. 11, 2025 - Umbra, a leading American space technology company, announced today the official launch of its new Space Systems business unit at the Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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