Capella Space selected for Space Development Agency's Proliferated LEO Hybrid Acquisition

Capella Space selected for Space Development Agency's Proliferated LEO Hybrid Acquisition
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 24, 2024

Capella Space Corp., a U.S.-based space technology company specializing in satellite and data solutions, has been chosen to participate in the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated LEO (HALO) procurement program. This procurement method allows Capella to compete for contracts related to building satellite systems for SDA through a prototype order bidding process.

Capella operates a fleet of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, which the company designs, manufactures, and controls entirely in-house. Since beginning commercial operations in January 2021, the constellation has been providing 24/7 SAR data for various applications, including environmental monitoring, national defense, and oil spill detection. Capella's SAR technology has supported projects globally, including forest management and border monitoring.

As the first U.S. company to demonstrate automated end-to-end SAR constellation operations, Capella has also pioneered several technological advancements, such as using the Inmarsat Data Relay System and introducing 30-second multi-look imagery. Capella was the first to partner with AWS on a cloud-native SAR platform and to deploy a 3.5m mesh-based reflector from a small satellite.

Capella's rapid deployment capability, established manufacturing infrastructure, and reliable on-orbit performance make it well-positioned to contribute to the future of HALO missions.

"Owning and operating our satellite constellation enables us to quickly launch new satellites, deploy new capabilities and offer actionable solutions tailored to meet diverse mission needs," said Frank Backes, CEO of Capella Space. "We have built a platform around agility in design, quality in manufacturing, and speed in operation through automation - all of it enabled by a world-class team. We look forward to leveraging all of that in support of the SDA's unique missions."

"SDA is proud to welcome 19 vendors into the first-ever HALO pool," said SDA Director Derek Tournear. "This creative award solution enables SDA to quickly compete, build, and fly demonstration missions to burn down risk for the future of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. We also hope, through the HALO pool, to build a broader base of vendors that can compete for work on operational layers of future tranches."

Capella will also be eligible to bid for additional SDA projects, such as the Tranche 2 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T2DES) and other upcoming demonstrations. This selection strengthens Capella's relationships with U.S. government entities like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and NASA.