NRO
BlackSky, Maxar, Planet win 10-year NRO contracts for satellite imagery
The National Reconnaissance Office announced May 25 it awarded BlackSky, Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs 10-year contracts to provide satellite imagery for U.S. intelligence, defense and federal civil agencies.
National Reconnaissance Office partners with U.K. on space mission to fly on Virgin Orbit rocket
The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office and the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense will launch a joint mission this summer on Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket.
SpaceX moved NROL-85 from the Cape to Vandenberg at no extra cost, in exchange for reusing booster
The NRO and SpaceX worked out a deal to move NROL-85 to the West Coast at no extra cost to the government and in exchange the NRO agreed to fly the mission on a reused first stage
NRO plans for immediate and long-term acquisition of commercial satellite data
The National Reconnaissance Office has issued contracts to satisfy immediate needs for commercial satellite data, while drafting requirements to bring commercial capabilities into an integrated architecture that includes classified U.S. government systems.
SpaceX launches NROL-85 spy satellite for U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a U.S. National Reconnaissance Office spy satellite into orbit April 17 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
NRO warns satellite operators of possible Russian attacks
The director of the National Reconnaissance Office, Christopher Scolese, warned that Russia’s military could target satellites in space to disrupt communications and GPS services.
Terran Orbital touts military and defense contracts ahead of going public
Terran Orbital executives told investors the company is heavily weighted toward government work and expects significant revenues from defense and intelligence contracts
Report: U.S. military needs a better way to buy commercial satellite imagery
The U.S. military and intelligence community have a growing demand for satellite imagery but their acquisition methods prevent them from taking advantage of a vibrant commercial market, says a new CSIS report.
SpaceX launches classified satellite for U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a National Reconnaissance Office mission into orbit Feb. 2 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
National Reconnaissance Office signs agreements with five commercial radar satellite operators
The National Reconnaissance Office announced Jan. 20 it has signed agreements with commercial radar imagery providers Airbus U.S., Capella Space, Iceye U.S., PredaSAR and Umbra.
Biden taps former NRO official Frank Calvelli to run Space Force acquisitions
President Biden nominated Frank Calvelli to be assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition, the White House announced Dec. 15.
National Reconnaissance Office launches new procurement of commercial satellite imagery
The National Reconnaissance Office on Nov. 3 released a request for bids from U.S. commercial providers of satellite imagery.
National Reconnaissance Office releases solicitation for commercial space radar imagery
The National Reconnaissance Office on Oct. 12 published its first solicitation for commercial space radar imagery.
NRO establishes licenses and cybersecurity rules for commercial imagery providers
The National Reconnaissance Office roadmap for bringing commercial satellite imagery into its hybrid space architecture emphasizes cybersecurity and licenses that enable the agency to share data with partners inside and outside the U.S. government.
NRO begins journey toward commercial data program of record
The National Reconnaissance Office is preparing to survey commercial capabilities to provide various geospatial datasets as part of a long-term campaign to establish a new program of record.
NRO to tap commercial industry for space-based radar data
The director of the National Reconnaissance Office Christopher Scolese announced Oct. 7 the agency will start buying space radar imagery from commercial providers.
Intelligence agencies seek resilient and reliable commercial tools
U.S. intelligence agencies are eager to adopt cutting-edge commercial tools and technologies, but need confidence in the security of the data delivered, Stacey Dixon, U.S. principal deputy director of national intelligence, said Oct. 6 at the GEOINT 2021 Symposium here.
NRO’s strategy to buy satellite imagery shaped by thriving commercial market
The U.S. satellite imagery industry will soon see the details of a highly anticipated procurement by the National Reconnaissance Office.
NRO Director highlights cooperation and innovation
The National Reconnaissance Office is working closely with the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command after signing a document that clearly defines each organization's roles and responsibilities, NRO Director Christopher Scolese said Aug. 24 at the 36th Space Symposium.
National Reconnaissance Office exercises contract option for Maxar satellite imagery
The National Reconnaissance Office has exercised a contract option to continue to procure satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies through August 2022.
