The German start-up Reflex Aerospace and the American company Umbra plan to jointly develop radar reconnaissance satellites based on SAR technology (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and offer them to European customers.
The companies entered into an agreement, under which Umbra adapts its high-performance SAR systems for integration with Reflex Aerospace's satellite platforms. In turn, Reflex Aerospace will modify its platforms for optimal operation with radar equipment, providing a very high coefficient of active time and maximum maneuverability of the devices.
Due to the growing demand for radar intelligence data and the lack of adequate European satellite capacity, the first satellite is planned to be launched already in 2027 year. Integration of satellites will take place in Germany, which will allow to ensure an independent and Europe-oriented supply chain.
Project characteristics and expected benefits:
Using Umbra's patented SAR technology to develop a reconnaissance system.
Creation of the Reflex Aerospace satellite platform, optimized for work with radar loads.
Ensuring high cyber security standards and large power reserves for maneuvering and changing orbit.
It is possible to additionally equip satellites with sensors for detecting the approach of objects and laser terminals for optical data transmission.
Using cheaper radar systems to reduce the overall cost of obtaining high-quality intelligence.
According to Walter Ballheimer, CEO of Reflex Aerospace, European countries are actively working on creating their own satellite reconnaissance capabilities, in particular for monitoring NATO's eastern flank, making them potential customers for the new system.
Components, which will be supplied by the American partner, are not subject to US export control restrictions (ITAR), which facilitates cooperation.
Position of Umbra.
David Langhan, CEO of Umbra, emphasized, that it is important for some customers to have sovereignty over their remote sensing data. Cooperation will allow us to meet such needs with the help of advanced technologies.
Satellites are focused on safe missions, which require high standards of cyber protection and maneuverability.
Information about companies:
Reflex Aerospace is a German manufacturer of satellite platforms for commercial and defense applications. Founded in 2021 year. The company has more than 60 workers in Berlin and Munich. Reflex Aerospace also works on optical and radio reconnaissance satellites and cooperates with the Spanish company Navantia as part of a European Defense Fund project.
Umbra is a vertically integrated American company, which provides services in the field of satellite radar technology for commercial and government customers. It has offices in Santa Barbara and Arlington.