Member News

Rochester, New York – Circle Optics announces its selection by AFWERX for a new award of $109,274 to address critical challenges in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This initiative focuses on innovative dual-purpose defense technologies aimed at improving space debris and satellite monitoring capabilities in highly congested environments.

The AFWERX program, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), accelerates innovation by streamlining the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) process. This award enables Circle Optics to leverage its expertise in high-fidelity imaging systems to deliver solutions that enhance the operational effectiveness and situational awareness of the U.S. Space Force.

Zak Niazi, Founder and CEO of Circle Optics, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity:

“In the coming decade, thousands of satellites will flood Low Earth Orbit, making it impossible to track them all with ground-based radar stations alone. As satellites slip into blind zones, just a handful veering off course could be enough for an adversary to jam communications on a Navy aircraft carrier—long enough to destroy it. We need persistent vision in LEO to stay ahead of what’s coming. That’s why we’re making moves to help enable a satellite network capable of continuously monitoring trajectory changes and detecting potentially nefarious activity, even when ground stations lose sight, through ultra-wide field of view, stitch-free optics. If you’re interested in this capability or want to help shape its features for your mission—whether in government or the space industry—please reach out to us."

This project marks a pivotal step in Circle Optics' journey to redefine precision and reliability in imaging technologies, aligning with the company’s commitment to advancing national defense through innovation.

About Circle Optics
Founded in 2017, Circle Optics is revolutionizing imaging for aerospace, defense, and entertainment industries with its non-parallax camera systems. By eliminating the stitching problem, Circle Optics delivers seamless, high-quality visuals, offering unparalleled accuracy in situational awareness With a robust portfolio of 19 patents—both granted and pending—and a team of experts hailing from industry giants like IMAX, Kodak, and L3 Harris, Circle Optics is at the forefront of innovation, proudly advancing cutting-edge technology from Rochester, New York, the optics capital of the world.

About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory leads scientific research and development for the Department of the Air Force, with a workforce of over 12,500 dedicated to advancing warfighting technologies across air, space, and cyberspace domains.

About AFWERX
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within AFRL, connects small businesses and startups with the military's most pressing challenges. AFWERX has executed thousands of contracts worth billions of dollars, strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.

Media Contact
Jennifer Sertl
Director of Marketing, Circle Optics
jennifer@circleoptics.com
(585) 704-5202