PredaSAR plans to launch a constellation of SAR satellites into Low-Earth Orbit. Photo: PredaSAR

Terran Orbital subsidiary PredaSAR received a prototype contract award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The contract “aims to research synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite formation flying concepts and joint data collection techniques,” Terran Orbital announced Wednesday. 

The prototype award is under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA), a flexible Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition agreement for prototypes and research. Specific terms were not disclosed. 

Terran Orbital said the potential prototype will provide data products from at least two SAR satellites flying in formation and demonstrate novel data processing algorithms. Conceptual design work is expected to take several months and may lead to follow-on opportunities. 

“Terran Orbital is proud to combine state-of-the-art SAR Earth observation capabilities and advanced small satellite technologies into game-changing solutions that contribute to the defense of our nation and allies. We look forward to demonstrating and delivering cost-effective, end-to-end capabilities,” said CEO Marc Bell. 

PredaSAR is the SAR subsidiary of satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital, which is a public company.