NewSpace AtlasSearch

Umbra wide-area maritime search constellation

A planned Umbra radar constellation designed to search large stretches of open ocean for ships, backed by a U.S. Air Force SpaceWERX STRATFI selection and Defense Innovation Unit research funds.

Why it matters

Finding ships across an ocean needs wide coverage, not just sharp close-ups. Umbra designed this system to give U.S. and allied commanders in the Indo-Pacific an affordable way to search wide areas and cue other sensors.

How the technology works

Umbra plans new spacecraft that scan wide swaths of ocean with radar, building on its formation flying, multi-static and moving-target detection work. Development is backed by a SpaceWERX STRATFI selection, with matching funds pending contracting, and three years of DIU research funding.

Sources

  1. Umbra press releaseApr 8, 2025
  2. Umbra

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction