What Spectral Sciences does

Spectral Sciences, Inc. (SSI) is a small, 100% employee-owned (ESOP) scientific research and development firm headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, founded in 1981 by five co-workers (Fritz Bien, Mike Gersh, Dave Robertson, Jim Elgin, and Lawrence Bernstein) to pursue collaborative R&D in physics, chemistry, and engineering. The firm specializes in physics-based solutions for electro-optical imaging and sensing, atmospheric and radiative transfer modeling, gas dynamics and exhaust plume signatures, hyperspectral scene simulation, and prototype instrument development, serving US defense and aerospace customers including the Missile Defense Agency, Air Force Research Laboratory, AFOSR, Army, NASA, and prime contractors such as Raytheon, Parker Hannifin, and SRC Inc. SSI's technical core is a portfolio of proprietary scientific software — anchored by MODTRAN (industry-standard atmospheric radiative transfer model co-developed with AFRL, covering 0–100 km and extended to 300 km via SAMM), FLAASH/FLAASH-IR and QUAC atmospheric correction codes, MCScene 3D Monte Carlo hyperspectral scene simulator, SOCRATES exhaust plume code, ARISTOTLE rarefied gas DSMC solver, ESPET electrospray toolkit, and SAG standardized atmosphere generator — complemented by hardware prototypes including THIA (compact VIS-SWIR hyperspectral imager for UAVs/small sats), CONDOR/4DST (4D spectral-temporal imager), TRACER (chemical mapping camera), FASPEC (combustive material spectrometer), and WASSS (space surveillance imager).

Revenue is generated through three streams: (1) US government contract R&D services as prime or subcontractor (the primary revenue source, evidenced by participation in the MDA SHIELD IDIQ, AFRL hypertemporal imaging space experiment, AFOSR STTR programs, and NASA SBIR awards); (2) licensing of proprietary software products through direct sales (modtran.spectral.com storefront), through Harris Geospatial Solutions' ENVI Atmospheric Correction Module, and via CloudEO marketplace subscriptions; and (3) custom instrumentation prototypes and R&D services for private industry in defense, energy, and manufacturing. Pricing is quote-based for software licensing and government contracts, with no publicly disclosed rate cards. SSI was awarded two James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Awards (2009, 2014) — recognizing fewer than 1% of cleared contractors — making it one of the few sub-50-person firms cleared for sensitive defense work. The company transitioned to 100% ESOP/S-Corp status in 2021 and is led by its third president, Bridget Tannian (since January 2022).

Name

Spectral Sciences

Legal name

Spectral Sciences, Inc.

Website

https://spectral.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Spectral Sciences is a small, 100% employee-owned (ESOP) scientific R&D firm founded in 1981 in Burlington, MA, developing atmospheric radiative transfer software (MODTRAN, FLAASH, QUAC), hyperspectral scene simulation tools, and prototype sensors for US defense, NASA, and aerospace prime contractors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific & Defense Software (Hyperspectral and Atmospheric Modeling)

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Remote Sensing & Geospatial MRV (Satellite, Aerial, LiDAR, SAR) (EUABACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM)

Keywords

• Atmospheric radiative transfer
• Hyperspectral imaging software
• Atmospheric correction software
• Remote sensing analysis
• Scientific R&D services

Headquarters

HQ city

Burlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Contract Research: Primary revenue source - extensive US government contract R&D work with branches of the military, defense agencies, and prime contractors for advanced scientific technology development.
2. Licensed Software Products: Commercial licensing of proprietary software including MODTRAN, FLAASH, QUAC, MCScene, SOCRATES, and others. Available as standalone C++ modules or integrated with ENVI processing software.
3. Industrial Applications: Custom instrumentation prototypes and R&D services for private industry including defense companies, technology organizations, and startups.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Spectral Sciences develops and licenses physics-based scientific software for atmospheric radiative transfer, atmospheric correction, and 3D hyperspectral scene simulation, anchored by the industry-standard MODTRAN model and the FLAASH/QUAC correction tools. The company also designs and prototypes hyperspectral, hypertemporal, and electro-optical sensors and instruments, and delivers contract R&D services to U.S. government defense and aerospace customers spanning electro-optical imaging, gas dynamics and signatures, environment and space physics, and applied material science.

Product overview

Spectral Sciences, Inc. (SSI) offers a portfolio of specialized scientific software tools for atmospheric modeling, spectral image correction, and 3D scene simulation, complemented by proprietary sensor instruments and R&D services. The software suite is anchored by MODTRAN (industry-standard atmospheric radiative transfer model, 0–100 km) and its higher-altitude variant SAMM (to 300 km), which serve as the computational engine for SSI's atmospheric correction and scene simulation products. FLAASH (and its LWIR counterpart FLAASH-IR) and QUAC are the primary atmospheric correction tools for hyperspectral and multispectral imagery — FLAASH uses embedded MODTRAN for first-principles physics-based correction while QUAC provides rapid empirical correction using only in-scene information. Scene simulation tools MCScene (3D Monte Carlo hyperspectral scene model) and QUID (3D scene radiation model) build on MODTRAN for target/background signature prediction. Additional specialized tools include SOCRATES (exhaust plume simulation), ARISTOTLE (low-pressure/rarefied gas DSMC flow modeling), ESPET (electrospray propulsion toolkit), and SAG (Standardized Atmospheric Generator for empirical atmosphere profiles to 300 km). SSI also develops instrument prototypes including THIA (compact VIS/SWIR hyperspectral imager for UAVs and small sats), CONDOR/4DST (compact 4D hyperpectral/hypertemporal imager with acoustic sensing), TRACER (chemical mapping camera), and FASPEC (combustive material spectrometer). Beyond software and instruments, SSI delivers R&D services and testing across remote sensing, combustion analysis, atmospheric modeling, computational chemistry, and electro-optical sensor development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MODTRAN: Industry-standard atmospheric radiance and transmission model for radiative transfer calculations
• QUAC
• FLAASH
• SMACC
• SAMM
• MCScene
• QUID
• SOCRATES
• ARISTOTLE
• ESPET
• SAG
• 4DST

Products and services

• MODTRAN Industry-standard atmospheric radiance and transmission model developed with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. Models propagation of light through the atmosphere at terahertz, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet wavelengths, accounting for attenuation, emission, and scattering for altitudes up to approximately 100 km. Licensed via Try-and-Buy storefront (modtran.spectral.com).
• FLAASH (Fast Line-of-sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercubes) State-of-the-art first-principles atmospheric correction algorithm developed with AFRL, NASA, and other U.S. government agencies. Removes atmospheric effects from visible-NIR-SWIR spectral imagery and reduces data to units of reflectance, supporting virtually all hyperspectral and multispectral sensors with off-nadir and nadir viewing. Embedded MODTRAN powers its radiation transport calculation.
• FLAASH-IR Thermal atmospheric correction software operating on long-wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imagery (8–14 µm). Performs accurate atmospheric correction and temperature-emissivity separation, outputting temperature maps and spectral emissivity or reflectance data cubes for both daytime and nighttime data collection without requiring supporting measurements or blackbody materials.
• QUAC (Quick Atmospheric Correction) Rapid, empirical atmospheric correction code that uses only in-scene information for hyperspectral and multispectral imagery. Requires no sensor metadata or radiometric calibration, supports automated batch operation, and offers superior performance under stress conditions such as thick haze, smoke, cloud cover, or long slant paths.
• SMACC (Sequential Maximum Angle Convex Cone end member analysis tool) End member analysis tool for spectral image exploitation, enabling identification and characterization of materials in hyperspectral imagery.
• SAMM (Standardized Atmospheric Radiation Model) Radiative transfer model covering altitudes up to 300 km, extending MODTRAN's altitude range for upper atmosphere applications.
• MCScene (Monte Carlo Scene) High-fidelity 3D spectral scene model for hyperspectral imagery simulations at SWIR, visible, and UV wavelengths. Models fully 3D environments including land and ocean surfaces, terrain, objects, and finite clouds with shadowing, using MODTRAN line-of-sight calculations and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo approaches.
• QUID (3D Scene Radiation Model) Radiative transfer model for simulating radiation in three-dimensional environments for target and background signature prediction.
• SOCRATES (Exhaust Plume Simulation) Exhaust plume simulation tool for modeling and predicting rocket and propulsion system exhaust plume signatures and their radiative characteristics and interactions with the atmosphere.
• ARISTOTLE (Low Pressure Flow Model) Low-pressure flow model based on the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for predicting rarefied gas flows in space environments, upper atmosphere, and vacuum-chamber conditions.
• ESPET (ElectroSpray Propulsion Toolkit) Multi-scale engineering tool developed with NASA funding for the design and characterization of electrospray thrusters.
• SAG (Standardized Atmosphere Generator) Empirical model providing a consistent description of the neutral environment from ground to 300 km and the charged environment up to 1,000 km, with temperature, pressure, wind, electron density, and atmospheric constituent densities. Usable as a standalone program, scripted for batch execution, or integrated via API into larger simulation models.
• THIA (Terrestrial Hyperspectral Imaging Apparatus) Compact, monolithic spectrograph and telescope system covering visible through extended SWIR (450–2500 nm). Designed for automated deployment on UAVs and small satellites with reduced size, weight, and power for precision agriculture, ecological studies, mining, reconnaissance, and surveillance applications.
• CONDOR / 4DST (Four-Dimensional Hyperpectral/Hypertemporal Imager) Compact 4DST imager developed by SSI providing simultaneous spatial, spectral (NIR/SWIR 0.85–1.7 µm), and temporal imaging combined with acoustic vibration sensing for material identification, structural analysis, and AI-controlled robotic manipulation. Patented optical data encoding and proprietary acoustic vibration characterization algorithms.
• TRACER (Chemical Mapping Camera) Chemical mapping camera for industrial gas and process analysis, providing hyperspectral imaging capabilities for detecting and identifying gaseous chemicals in industrial environments.
• FASPEC (Combustive Material Spectrometer) Spectrometer sensor for NIR analysis (1.2–1.7 µm) used in furnace diagnostics and burner monitoring for real-time combustion optimization.
• WASSS (Wide Area Space Surveillance System) Imager Prototype sensor for monitoring the geostationary orbit belt from low-Earth orbit, supporting space situational awareness and space debris tracking.
• Scientific R&D Services and Testing Custom R&D services across electro-optical imaging and sensing, geospatial systems and remote sensing, gas dynamics and signatures, environment and space physics, and applied material science. Delivered as concept development, software prototyping, instrument fabrication, simulation, and field testing for government and industrial customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• First-of-its-kind stratospheric monitoring system for NASA providing real-time wildfire, methane leak, and environmental hazard detection
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability8 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• SceyemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025NASA SBIR-funded partnership to develop real-time stratospheric monitoring system combining Sceye's HAPS platform with SSI's hyperspectral sensors (THIA) for wildfire detection, methane monitoring, and environmental observation. Award value: $850,000.
• RaytheoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSSI participating as data processing software developer on $33.7M Air Force hypertemporal imaging space experiment (HTI SpX) awarded to Raytheon. Work on the ESPA Augmented Geostationary Laboratory Experiment (EAGLE) platform.
• Parker HannefincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner$3M follow-on Air Force BAA for SET technology with Parker Hannefin as prime contractor. Georgia Tech and other industry partners also involved. Development of combustion sensor and fuel control system for turbine engines.
• SRC Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in DARPA Mobile Force Protection program with CONDOR hyperspectral/hypertemporal imager developed by SSI.
• Battelle Memorial Institute / Pacific Northwest Division (BMI, PNWD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTTR team partner for ECCE computational chemistry software development along with Texas Tech University and Iowa State University. AFOSR-funded $1.45M project.
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSceye partnered with NASA and USGS for real-time environmental monitoring initiatives; SSI involved through Sceye partnership for stratospheric monitoring.
• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing R&D partnership for MODTRAN development and other atmospheric/spectral technologies. Multiple collaborative projects including FLAASH development and HTI space experiment.
• Harris Geospatial SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for ENVI Atmospheric Correction Module bundling FLAASH and QUAC with ENVI image processing software.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: Acquired Harris Geospatial Solutions, which distributes SSI's FLAASH/QUAC within ENVI. Large incumbent in remote sensing and defense electronics with overlapping atmospheric correction customer base.
• Ball Aerospace: Major defense/aerospace prime contractor with extensive optical instrument and remote sensing capabilities (e.g., ozone mapping instruments). Much larger, but overlaps with SSI's hyperspectral imaging domain.
• Maxar Technologies: Commercial satellite imagery and geospatial analytics provider. Less direct technical overlap but serves overlapping customers in remote sensing and atmospheric correction markets.
• Leidos: Large defense contractor with substantial atmospheric, remote sensing, and space situational awareness programs. Operates at significantly greater scale than SSI but competes for similar MDA, Air Force, and NASA contracts.
• MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Federally funded research and development center with deep expertise in electro-optical sensing, radar, and atmospheric science. Operates at much larger scale but addresses similar national security technical challenges as SSI.

Direct peers

• Southwest Research Institute (SwRI): Employee-owned, nonprofit applied R&D organization with similar 11-50 employee science teams working on defense, space, and atmospheric programs. Compares closely to SSI's employee-owned structure and contract research business model.
• Riverside Research: Nonprofit scientific research organization focused on national security, with expertise in remote sensing, signal processing, and electro-optical systems. Closely comparable in scale, mission, and customer base to SSI.
• Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL): Utah State University research center specializing in space-based remote sensing, electro-optical instrumentation, and atmospheric science. Highly comparable in technical capabilities and defense/aerospace customer focus.
• Applied Research Associates (ARA): Employee-owned scientific and engineering research firm with defense and aerospace focus. Similar size and structure to SSI, with comparable work in remote sensing, signature analysis, and atmospheric science.
• Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER): A Verisk Analytics business providing atmospheric and environmental research with deep radiative transfer and remote sensing expertise. Directly comparable to SSI's atmospheric modeling and government R&D focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Spectral Sciences