Perfecting the SAR process

Werner discusses the acquisition of synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The appeal of radar technology lies in its ability to capture images at night and in various weather conditions. Recognizing the potential of commercial SAR for intelligence purposes, the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) began procuring commercial SAR imagery in early 2022. Contracts were awarded to five companies. The NRO is evaluating image quality, cybersecurity practices, and data delivery speed, and has already utilized radar imagery for military and intelligence operations. The efficiency of delivering imagery on a larger scale remains uncertain. The NRO is prepared to acquire commercial radar products once a decision is made, ensuring seamless access for users. As the prospect of a larger-scale acquisition effort looms, commercial SAR experts were asked about their vision for providing SAR products to US troops.