Revolutionizing Space Technology
Capella builds trusted space systems that deliver secure, rapid, and actionable Earth intelligence to Amplify Intelligence™ for allied partners. Powered by IonQ, we're creating the world’s first quantum-enabled Earth observation network, transforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation, speed, and trust.
Experience The Capella Difference
Persistent, All-Weather Intelligence
Capella’s SAR delivers reliable sub-meter radar imagery in any condition, ensuring visibility where other systems fail to deliver.
High-Revisit Coverage for Rapid Insight
Our strategically designed constellation delivers multiple daily revisits for continuous monitoring and fast verification.
Vertically Integrated, Secure Architecture
Fully built in-house systems from satellite to software enable end-to-end control, rapid innovation, and uncompromising data quality.
Fast, Automated Tasking and Delivery
Self-serve tools, APIs, and low-latency processing provide rapid access to new collections and mission-ready data.
Quantum-Enabled Space Infrastructure
Powered by IonQ, we’re building a quantum-enabled Earth observation network—advancing intelligence delivery with speed and reliability.
By numbers
We Deliver Mission-Ready Customer Experience Built For Speed And Reliability.
24/7
Global Coverage
Persistent SAR intelligence, anytime, anywhere.
0.25 m
SAR Resolution
High-fidelity imagery for precise analysis and confident decision-making.
2-15
Revisit Opportunities Per Day
Rapid access to time-critical insights.
95%
Customer Satisfaction Score
Trusted and reliable support for mission-critical users.
.avif)
Our Core Values
Mission-Driven Excellence
Holding Ourselves & Each Other Accountable
Being mission driven, a true partner, and customer focused means that we put our customer’s mission and business objectives at the forefront of all that we do. We work hard to understand their requirements and we react quickly when we see opportunities to better meet their objectives.
Relentless Resolve to Prevail
Perseverance in Action
When Capella first started, people said "it can't be done” but we did it. When the Denali approach wasn't working, we rallied, and made it happen. When one satellite launch failed, we rallied and built more satellites to launch the next year. When the industry took a turn for the worst, we pivoted and managed to stay in the game. When external factors out of our control make things difficult, we pivot, and leverage what we do best. We have a Relentless Revolve to Prevail, together as one team.
Humble Collaboration
Solving Problems as ONE Team
Here at Capella we work on very hard problems. When things don’t work out, we fail forward. Instead of pointing fingers, we put our focus on fixing issues and making our systems and teams resilient. We humble ourselves when faced with adversity and bring no ego in finding the right solution. Collaboration is at the heart of teamwork. We are one team, supporting each other and focused on our mission.
Innovative Curiosity
Fearlessly Breaking Boundaries
When we started Capella, we were in continue learning-mode. We were small, working at the bleeding edge of very complex technologies, and opening new markets as we went. Learning together, and teaching each other, was critical to our success. This quest for collaboration and knowledge continues at Capella today. We propose, debate, and try new ideas in all aspects of the business, and in turn, we push ourselves and our competitors to move the boundary of what is possible. Learning together means growing together.
Capellians Crush Life
Pursuing Life and Work With Passion
People come to Capella because our work and our mission inspire. Capellians are passionate about what they do and inspire others both in their work and in their lives outside of Capella. We encourage each other and cheer each other on as we hit major milestones in life and work. We strive to be a community of support.
Our team
Leadership team
.avif)
Jessica Hunter
General Counsel & Board Secretary
.avif)
Nathan Kennedy
Senior Vice President, Operations
.avif)
Gordon Farquharson
Vice President, Sensor Systems
Brandon Smith
Vice President, Space Systems
.avif)
John Horn
Vice President, Customer Engagement
.avif)
Carey Hicks
Vice President, Human Resources
Join our team
Grow your career at Capella Space and join a dynamic team dedicated to transforming Earth observation technology. We seek passionate individuals who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to tackle challenges that make a difference in everyday lives.
Our missions
Since 2016, Capella has advanced SAR technology, launching missions that transformed Earth observation. As the first U.S. commercial SAR satellite company, we set the industry standard, delivering real-time insights and showcasing our commitment to innovation.
Capella timeline
A Look Back On The Past Decade
2016
Our Founding Vision
Capella was founded with a clear mission: to close critical gaps in Earth observation revealed by events like the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Emerging from a Stanford program focused on national security challenges, our team set out to deliver rapid, all-weather intelligence from space. We raised $3M in seed funding to begin building this capability.
2017
Designing the First U.S. SAR Satellite
Capella initiated development of its first proof-of-concept satellite, using miniaturized components to enable high-resolution SAR from a significantly smaller and more efficient platform. Our 48 kg test satellite, Denali, was designed to validate performance and collect initial data. We raised $12M in Series A funding.
2018
Our First Launch
Capella advanced its SAR capabilities through both airborne and spaceborne prototypes, accelerating the path to operational deployment. On December 3, 2018, Denali launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission, enabling on-orbit testing and further validating our technology.
2019
Global Expansion
Capella raised $80M to accelerate growth and expand its global footprint. The company built out its business team to engage customers, capture mission requirements, and refine its SAR capabilities. These insights informed solutions for Defense and Intelligence, Maritime Domain Awareness, and Disaster Response across U.S. and international markets.
2020
The First Commercial U.S. SAR Satellite
Capella launched its first operational SAR satellite, Sequoia (Capella-2), delivering the world’s highest-resolution commercial SAR imagery. We also partnered with AWS and Inmarsat to enhance tasking, data processing, and downlink speeds.
2021
Building a Constellation
Capella scaled its manufacturing capabilities with 40,000 square feet of production space to support rapid constellation deployment. We officially launched commercial operations, delivering high-resolution SAR for mission-critical decision-making. Additional satellite launches were planned to expand coverage and revisit capacity.
2022
Accelerating Growth
Capella raised $97 million in Series C financing to expand its constellation and advance its capabilities. We also were awarded a contract from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to support SAR data modeling, simulation, and sample imagery delivery.
2023
Scaling to Meet Customer Demand
Capella expanded services supporting the U.S. government and secured a Bulk Purchase Agreement by NASA. We also introduced the first-of-its-kind Analytics Partner Program, enabling partners to develop AI-powered geospatial solutions and meet growing global demand for SAR-derived insights.
2024
New Partnerships, More Satellites
Capella added three next-generation Acadia satellites to its constellation, strengthening in-house design, manufacturing, and operations. We also expanded our partner ecosystem with four new Certified Analytics Partners and introduced Vessel Classification.
.avif)
2025
Enhanced Security, A New Frontier
Capella was acquired by IonQ, joining forces to pioneer quantum-enabled space technologies. Together, we are shaping a new frontier in rapid, secure, high-performance Earth observation and redefining how intelligence is delivered from space.
.avif)
Ready to see it in action?
Learn how precision engineering translates into consistent intelligence value for your organization. Capella collaborates with technology providers, integrators, and solution partners.
