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Space technology company Umbra plans to invest $6.75 million in a new Reston facility, an expansion expected to create more than 100 high-tech jobs in Fairfax County.
The company will open a 20,000-square-foot office supporting its growing remote sensing data and custom satellite systems divisions. The move expands Umbra’s Northern Virginia presence as demand rises for U.S.-built space and defense technology.
CEO David Langan said the Reston operation will help Umbra recruit regional talent and deliver resilient satellite systems more quickly and cost-effectively.
Founded in Santa Barbara, California, in 2015, Umbra develops sensors, spacecraft and other remote sensing technology for commercial and military customers. Its synthetic aperture radar satellite constellation can capture imagery at a resolution of 25 centimeters.
Fairfax County officials said Umbra will join a local space ecosystem that includes more than 150 companies supporting space-related missions. More than half of those businesses have expanded or relocated to the county in recent years, according to Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked to secure the project. Gov. Abigail Spanberger approved a $500,000 Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund grant to help Fairfax County support the expansion.
Umbra will also receive employee recruitment and training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.