BusinessEO

Umbra Releases a 16 cm Commercial Satellite Image

Image: Umbra

Commercial space imaging hit a new resolution high-water mark. 

Satellite operator Umbra released a 16 cm/pixel Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image today, making it the highest-res commercial satellite image ever dropped, according to the company. The image is comparable to the resolution that was previously restricted to government use.

“This means that we are finally able to offer customers the highest resolution images that our satellites are capable of capturing, setting the stage for even further expansion of products to customers,” said Umbra president Gabe Dominocielo.

Evolving regulations: The US began permitting the sale of commercial satellite images only a few decades back, but still restricted super-high res imaging—like the 10-cm picture Trump tweeted in 2019—to government use only. 

Over the last few years, NOAA has started loosening commercial imaging restrictions, allowing satellite operators to innovate and expand further into various end markets and use cases. Umbra was able to release today’s 16-cm image as a result of NOAA recently loosening its 25-cm restriction on the Santa Barbara-based company’s commercial imaging. 

Umbra 101: Umbra operates six SAR satellites, serving the US government (50% of revenue), allied nations (25%), and commercial customers (25%). Unlike optical imaging, Umbra’s SAR radars are not dependent on light, allowing them to deliver high-resolution images around the clock and in all weather conditions. The company has contracts from the NRO, Air Force, and DARPA. 

Related Stories
BusinessEuropeLaunch

Exolaunch’s European Expansion Continues

If Monopoly made a rocket themed board game, Exolaunch would have a hotel on every space.

BusinessEuropeSatcom

AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Form European JV

The joint venture, called SatCo, said in a statement that it has already received interest from network operators in 21+ European countries.

BusinessMilitary

York Takes Legal Action Against DoD’s SBIR Award to Apex

What’s the purpose of a SBIR award? That’s the question at the heart of a lawsuit York Space Systems has filed against the military, over a contract awarded to fellow satellite builder Apex Space.

EOEuropeMilitary

Planet Scores €240M Defense and Intelligence Contract

“This capacity is ultimately intelligence needed to act decisively and maintain their strategic edge.”