Umbra is a vertically integrated space technology company specializing in high-resolution, all-weather Earth observation through advanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with additional offices in Austin and Northern Virginia, Umbra’s mission is to deliver “global omniscience” by providing unparalleled access to top-quality satellite data. The company serves both government and commercial clients, offering intelligence data as a service to address critical business, environmental, and security challenges. Umbra’s technology enables persistent, reliable monitoring regardless of weather or lighting, supporting applications ranging from national security and disaster response to climate change and infrastructure monitoring.
Leadership
David Langan (Co-founder & CEO): Langan is an expert in advanced space mission architecture and the inventor of Umbra’s core SAR technology. He has nearly a decade of experience in developing space systems and has played a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of satellite imaging performance.
Gabe Dominocielo (Co-founder & President/CSO): Dominocielo is a lifelong entrepreneur with a strong focus on unit economics and free cash flow. He is known for his innovative approach to business and technology and is deeply involved in shaping Umbra’s strategic direction.
Core Technologies
Umbra’s core offering is its proprietary SAR satellite constellation, which sets industry benchmarks for resolution and revisit rates. Key technological features include:
High-Resolution SAR Imaging: Umbra’s microsatellites can achieve up to 0.25-meter single-look resolution, enabling detailed Earth observation from space.
Scalable Constellation: The architecture supports high revisit rates (as frequent as hourly with a 12-satellite constellation), making near-real-time monitoring possible.
Large Deployable Antennas: Each microsatellite (about 50 kg) deploys a parabolic dish antenna in orbit, maximizing imaging performance while minimizing launch costs.
Advanced Data Delivery: Umbra provides an extensive archive of imagery, accessible via partners like SkyFi, and is committed to making data acquisition as seamless as possible for users.
Formation Flying & Multi-static Capabilities: Umbra’s satellites can operate in tandem for advanced imaging modes, including bistatic and moving target detection, supporting complex defense and maritime surveillance missions.
High-resolution imaging for defense, intelligence, environmental monitoring, and disaster response
Rapid revisit and tasking for time-sensitive applications
Custom mission solutions for government and commercial clients
Integration with partner satellite buses for tailored regional solutions
Investors
Umbra is a privately held company. Notable investment and funding highlights include:
Participation in the U.S. Department of the Air Force’s STRATFI program, which can enable development of new space capabilities valued at up to $60 million through matching funds and co-investment.
Multi-year financial commitment and strategic partnership with Maxar, including a dedicated capacity agreement for SAR imagery.
Private investors are involved, especially in matching funds as part of government-backed initiatives, but specific investor names and total funding amounts are not publicly disclosed as of April 2025.
Notable Clients
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD): Custom space-based intelligence technologies for national security initiatives, including maritime surveillance and wide-area SAR coverage.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA): Supporting operational resiliency and new data collection modes.
Maxar: Strategic partnership for SAR data, enhancing Maxar’s Earth observation capabilities and supporting U.S. government contracts.
Space Development Agency (SDA): Integration of remote sensing capabilities into future space architectures.
Reflex Aerospace (Europe): Partnership to deliver advanced SAR satellite solutions for European defense and commercial markets.
