5 August 2026 of the US National Intelligence Service (NRO) signed contracts with Capella Space companies, Iceye U.S. and Umbra as part of the Commercial Radar Capabilities program. This government initiative aims to integrate data from private commercial radar surveillance satellites into the overall US intelligence and national security architecture.
Contracts create a direct mechanism for ordering synthetic aperture radar surveys (SAR), obtaining archival images and derivative products, as well as the development of new capabilities for the execution of missions. The goal is to integrate commercial SAR capabilities with national systems to enhance intelligence capabilities, Observation and reconnaissance, providing timely and constant global coverage in any weather, day and night.
The contracts are administered by the Office of Commercial Systems Programs (CSPO) NRO. The decision is based on the results of a preliminary assessment of commercial suppliers (2022 year) and experience of the "Commercial segment of electro-optical surveillance" program (The Electro-Optical Commercial Layer is the largest US government program in history for the procurement of commercial satellite imagery).
Data from Iceye U.S. are unclassified, which allows their exchange between defense, intelligence, civil structures, allies and partners. Iceye U.S. companies. and Umbra are also participating in related NRO strategic commercial enhancement programs, in particular regarding multi-parameter remote sensing and radio frequency products.
Source: https://spacenews.com