PALO ALTO, October 31, 2024 – Array Labs, a space technology company building the world's first high-quality 3D imaging satellite constellation, today announced it has secured a new $1.25M contract with AFWERX, a program of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). The Direct-to-Phase II SBIR award supports development of breakthrough antenna technology that achieves unprecedented power levels and capabilities from small satellite platforms.

The system targets power levels greater than 200 watts, with a growth path to deliver multi-kilowatt output power, from a single small form-factor satellite—a 100-fold increase over traditional systems—all while delivering very wide tuneable and instantaneous bandwidths. In addition, the antenna’s advanced phase change materials and innovative thermal management solutions enable sustained high-power operation within smallsats’ strict size, weight, and power (SWAP) constraints. 

"This antenna technology is a key enabler for our distributed imaging architecture," said Andrew Peterson, CEO of Array Labs. "By dramatically increasing the power output possible from small satellites, we're unlocking capabilities previously reserved for much larger, more expensive systems."

The technology has broad dual-use potential across commercial and defense sectors. The high-power, wide-bandwidth capability enables both high-throughput communications and advanced radar imaging modes from a single compact antenna. Applications range from wide-area, high-fidelity 3D mapping and automated infrastructure monitoring to enhanced situational awareness and moving target detection.

The 21-month development program will culminate in an on-orbit demonstration. This latest award builds on Array's previous government contracts for formation flight and communications technologies, announced earlier this year. Together, these component technologies support Array's mission to revolutionize Earth observation with high-resolution, wide-area 3D imaging that can see through clouds and darkness.

When integrated into Array's planned constellation of formation-flying satellites, this technology will enable continuous wide-area coverage at resolutions 60X higher, and 100x faster, than alternative space-based 3D mapping methods. 

The system is designed for scale, supporting Array's roadmap from initial demonstration through full constellation deployment.

"We're grateful for the Air Force's continued support as we develop the fundamental technologies needed for our next-generation space systems," Peterson added. "This contract accelerates our path to delivering global situational awareness."

Note: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

About Array Labs

Array Labs is building a distributed radar imaging constellation to power the first real-time, high-fidelity 3D map of Earth. Array’s ambition is to scale to multiple imaging clusters and sub-daily remaps, providing a never-before-seen, low-latency 3D view of our planet, delivered by space systems with far greater cost efficiencies than conventional 2D-imaging constellations flying today.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

Company Press Contact

Ryan Duffy
Head of BD
ryan@arraylabs.io