The Reflex Aerospace SIGI satellite, the company’s first satellite. Photo: Reflex Aerospace

German-based satellite manufacturer Reflex Aerospace is teaming up with U.S.-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) company Umbra to provide SAR solutions to Europe. 

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, Umbra will customize its SAR payloads for Reflex to integrate into a dedicated satellite bus. The companies plan to use a European-focused supply chain and integrate the solution in Germany, citing “customers prioritizing national sovereignty.” 

“We recognize that some customers require sovereignty over their remote sensing capabilities, and we believe it is in our national interest to help meet this need,” said Umbra CEO David Langan, CEO of Umbra. 

This comes as the U.S. has imposed a baseline 10% tariff on most countries amid a 90-day pause on higher reciprocal tariffs. Reflex also recently started the process to form a joint venture with U.S.-based Sidus Space to target U.S. and European markets across defense, commercial

The companies aim to launch the first satellite in 2027. The satellite bus will prioritize dual-use requirements like cybersecurity standards and a Delta-V reserve to allow for maneuverability and orbit adjustments. Optional features will include sensors to detect flyby objects and an optical terminal. 

Reflex Aerospace CEO Walter Ballheimer commented that this expands SAR options for European customers. “Up until now, the options for European customers, when it came to SAR satellites, were extremely limited. We are confident that our satellites will soon be the backbone of several European ISR constellations,” Ballheimer said.