Umbra Selected by NOAA to Provide Commercial SAR Data for Weather and Environmental Monitoring
Santa Barbara, CA — September 17, 2026
Umbra, an American space technology company, today announced it has been selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a commercial synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data provider under the agency’s Space-Based Environmental Monitoring Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The program expands NOAA’s access to commercial satellite observations in support of weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.
Under the Active Sensors category, Umbra will make its space-based SAR capabilities available to NOAA to support observations of environmental features. Umbra’s satellites use active radar to collect data day or night and through cloud cover, providing NOAA with an additional source of Earth observation data that can complement existing environmental monitoring capabilities.
“NOAA has long been at the forefront of understanding our planet and turning observations into information that people depend on every day,” said Joe Morrison, Vice President of Remote Sensing at Umbra. “We’re proud to bring Umbra’s commercial radar capabilities to that mission. Our team has built an American SAR constellation that can reliably observe the Earth through clouds, storms, darkness, and other challenging conditions, and we look forward to supporting NOAA as it explores new ways to use commercial data for weather, environmental monitoring, and research.”
Umbra operates a growing constellation of high-resolution SAR satellites designed and built in the United States. By generating its own radar signal rather than relying on reflected sunlight, SAR provides consistent observation capabilities across a wide range of environmental conditions. Umbra has delivered commercial radar data at scale to U.S. Government, allied, commercial, and scientific users, demonstrating the reliability and responsiveness required for operational missions.
NOAA established the Space-Based Environmental Monitoring contract through its National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Commercial Data Program. Data acquired through the program can support NOAA’s operational prediction models, weather forecasting and environmental applications, as well as research efforts across government agencies, academic institutions, and other scientific organizations.
The contract is effective September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2036, with a five-year base period followed by a five-year option. Umbra’s selection builds on the growing role of U.S. commercial space capabilities in supporting government Earth observation missions and creates a pathway for NOAA to access Umbra’s SAR data as its operational and scientific requirements evolve.
ABOUT UMBRA
Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems — from sensors to spacecraft — that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to high-resolution radar data from space. Operating the most capable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation on the market, Umbra provides precision imagery in any condition, at any time. With a commitment to First Principles engineering, end-to-end system ownership, and rapid satellite customization, Umbra supports critical missions that deliver information advantages — redefining what’s possible in and through space. Umbra is founded and operated in the United States with facilities in Santa Barbara, CA, Arlington, VA and Reston, VA.
MEDIA CONTACTS
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