PALO ALTO, CA, May 30, 2025 – Array Labs today announced a $1.25M contract with the United States Air Force to bolster its 3D radar imaging capabilities, with a new algorithm that promises to expand processing options and enhance accuracy.

The contract, awarded through AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), targets critical improvements to Array Labs’ Site3D product and forthcoming wide-area collection modes. Specifically, this project supports the development of Array's novel algorithm that extracts 3D information from phase data within standard SAR imagery — turning what most systems treat as artifacts into valuable depth measurements.

The technology in question is a significant step forward in how Array generates 3D imagery, and it targets a persistent pain point for both defense and commercial customers of spaceborne, Earth-observing sensors. 

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Solving a Critical, Customer-Driven Challenge 

Current 3D products derived from satellite imagers require complex, choreographed multi-pass collections that can take weeks or months to coordinate. Existing tasking and processing methods demand precise satellite collection geometries that are difficult at best or impossible at worst to achieve, given orbital constraints and competing collection priorities. 

These multi-pass requirements can also consume significant satellite capacity – with traditional stereo or interferometric approaches monopolizing resources that could otherwise serve multiple customers and use cases. When a single 3D collection requires a dozen or more passes over the same area, it creates natural limitations in tasking queues, collection scheduling, and the availability and overall productivity of expensive space assets. 

Additionally, these approaches can face challenges in certain environments like snowy regions or high-demand areas, limiting applications in some infrastructure monitoring, defense intelligence, and resource tracking scenarios.

A New Approach to 3D

Array's novel algorithm aims to extract 3D depth information from radar phase history data that other systems discard, enabling accurate 3D reconstruction with fewer satellite passes and less restrictive collection geometries. In optimal conditions, the algorithm can even generate 3D imagery from a single satellite pass. 

This approach promises significant reductions in collection time and product costs while simultaneously improving image quality.

"Our customers have been clear with us: speed and accuracy are the top priorities,” said Andrew Peterson, CEO of Array Labs. "Based on direct user feedback, operators need accurate 3D imagery in shorter timescales. This algorithm lets us deliver more with less, pulling meaningful 3D insights from fewer satellite passes, and paves the way for more advanced 3D reconstruction algorithms for our future satellite constellation.” 

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From Site3D to Satellite Constellation 

This technology immediately benefits Site3D, Array's current on-demand 3D imaging product. It also serves as a critical technology demonstrator for Array's satellite constellation — built from the ground up to deliver accurate 3D imagery from anywhere on Earth in seconds. 

Instead of traditional techniques that tie up satellite resources for weeks, Array's approach will serve more customers, more frequently, with better results. The company’s first production cluster features four distributed satellites flying in formation that will capture high-resolution 3D imagery in a single pass. This novel algorithm provides complementary 3D reconstruction capabilities for both current satellites and Array's forthcoming system.

The algorithm development is tightly coupled with Array Labs' existing partner-enabled products and its near-future Site3D and World3D architectures. It demonstrates how the company is de-risking its most complex technical challenges while aligning R&D efforts to the core mission. 

"We're solving hard problems that have historically limited remote sensing, and each technical breakthrough gets us closer to delivering real-time 3D intelligence at global scale," said Peterson. "We are grateful to our partners in the Air Force for putting their trust in us to get the job done."

This contract builds on Array's strong track record of advanced technology development, and follows a trio of previously announced AFWERX awards for novel formation flight technology, high-power antennas, and next-gen satellite communications systems.

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 an advanced aerospace company developing the satellites, sensors, and software required to deliver the first real-time, high-fidelity 3D map of Earth. Array’s innovative approach leverages distributed radar, advanced high-power antenna systems, formation flight, multi-static SAR, and advanced image formation algorithms to deliver unprecedented insights into our planet's surface. 

‍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.