Advancing Technology: ARKA Group’s Expansion Boosts Surveillance Capabilities

In January, US Reps Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes, along with Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, visited the ARKA Group facility to see the recent expansion. The Danbury-based ARKA Group completed a 14,000 square foot addition, bringing its total footprint in the city to 550,000 square feet. This expansion is dedicated to the development and production of high-tech devices to support the space and defense industries.

The $85 million investment has added additional cleanroom space for manufacturing, calibrating, and installing electro-optical and infrared telescopes and other payloads for smallsats – satellites that are less than a meter across. The upgrades also include the latest manufacturing techniques such as world-class thin-film application and allow for multi-shift work to meet high volume orders.

Charlie Schaub, senior vice president of ARKA’s Space & Defense business, stated that the expansion supports increased production of sub-meter telescopes and payloads. This is crucial for maintaining the surveillance capabilities that the nation and its allies rely on for security, especially with the growth of proliferated low earth orbit constellations.

The enhancements strengthen and balance ARKA’s capabilities in both smallsat payloads and large optics for ground- and space-based scientific and national security missions. This expansion highlights ARKA’s commitment to advancing technology in support of vital industries.