# Umbra 12

> American synthetic aperture radar satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q138117050](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138117050)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/umbra-12

## Summary
Umbra 12 is an American synthetic aperture radar satellite scheduled for launch on January 11, 2026, as part of the Umbra-SAR program.

## Key Facts
- It is a synthetic aperture radar satellite operated by Umbra
- The satellite will launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- It will be launched using a Falcon 9 Block 5 orbital launch vehicle
- Its COSPAR ID is 2026-004J
- The launch date is January 11, 2026
- It follows the Umbra 11 satellite in the series
- It is part of the Umbra-SAR program
- The country of origin is the United States

## FAQs
### Q: When is Umbra 12 scheduled to launch?
A: It is scheduled to launch on January 11, 2026.

### Q: What is the purpose of Umbra 12?
A: It is a synthetic aperture radar satellite designed for Earth observation.

### Q: Which company operates Umbra 12?
A: The satellite is operated by Umbra.

## Why It Matters
Umbra 12 represents the next generation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which provides all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities. Unlike traditional optical satellites that are limited by cloud cover and sunlight, SAR satellites use radar to penetrate clouds and darkness, making them invaluable for monitoring natural disasters, tracking ice and snow cover, and observing changes in the Earth's surface. As part of the Umbra-SAR program, it continues the United States' investment in advanced Earth observation technology, complementing existing systems like the NGA's radar satellites and contributing to global monitoring networks.

## Notable For
- It is the successor to the Umbra 11 satellite in the Umbra-SAR series
- It will utilize the Falcon 9 Block 5, the current version of SpaceX's orbital launch vehicle
- It represents the continued development of synthetic aperture radar technology for civilian and possibly military applications
- The satellite's COSPAR ID (2026-004J) provides a unique identifier for tracking its orbital position
- It operates under the Umbra operator, continuing the company's series of SAR satellites

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Umbra 12 is designed as a synthetic aperture radar satellite with advanced imaging capabilities. The satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. The COSPAR ID 2026-004J serves as its unique orbital identifier.

### Program Context
The Umbra 12 satellite is part of the Umbra-SAR program, which represents a series of American synthetic aperture radar satellites. It follows the Umbra 11 satellite in the program lineage, indicating a planned sequence of launches for this technology. The program aims to provide continuous Earth observation capabilities through advanced radar imaging technology.

### Launch Details
The launch is scheduled for January 11, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4. The Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle will provide the necessary thrust to place the satellite into its operational orbit. This launch represents the next step in the expansion of the Umbra-SAR constellation.

### Operational Capabilities
As a synthetic aperture radar satellite, Umbra 12 will utilize radar technology to create high-resolution images of Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This capability makes it particularly valuable for monitoring natural disasters, tracking environmental changes, and supporting military and civilian applications requiring persistent surveillance. The satellite's design allows for repeat pass imaging capabilities, enabling regular monitoring of specific areas.