Umbra, a leader in advanced space radar technology, has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase II contract in the amount of $1.25 million focused on Space-Based Moving Target Indication (MTI).
The contract will help the Department of the Air Force (DAF) address its most pressing challenges. Umbra will use its market leading wide-bandwidth, affordable space systems to develop and demonstrate Maritime and Ground MTI (MMTI and GMTI) capabilities.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, expanding the range of innovations it funds. On August 9, 2023, Umbra accelerated its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
"With the end of the JSTARS program, Umbra understands the national imperative to develop a multi-domain replacement capability with a strong space-based element," said Jason Mallare, Vice President of Government Programs and Strategy. "Commercial space systems which can be developed and rapidly deployed offer a differentiated and robust method to contribute to this critical mission need. Umbra is committed to partnering with AFWERX, the broader DAF, as well."