NRO

On the NRO’s wish list: AI technologies to manage satellites and data
NRO Director Chris Scolese said the agency wants to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to orchestrate the operation of imaging satellites and to analyze data in orbit

NRO to sign deals with commercial providers of hyperspectral imaging
The NRO plans to soon release a request for proposals for commercial hyperspectral satellite data

NRO signs agreements with six commercial providers of space-based RF data
The NRO awarded study contracts to commercial RF providers Aurora Insight, HawkEye 360, Kleos Space, PredaSAR, Spire Global and Umbra Lab.


ULA’s Delta 4 prepares for final West Coast launch as Vandenberg seeks new tenants
After completing the NROL-91 mission, ULA will start vacating SLC-6 and consolidate operations at SLC-3

GAO: Defense, intelligence agencies need a better plan to buy commercial satellite imagery
U.S. defense and intelligence agencies are not taking advantage of available commercial imagery due to slow and cumbersome procurement methods, said a GAO report.

NRO to add more commercial imagery providers as it builds a ‘hybrid architecture’
The National Reconnaissance Office expects to select next month multiple providers of radio-frequency data collected by commercial satellites.

Op-ed | Why a ‘hybrid’ space architecture makes sense for economic and national security
Once-in-a-generation advances in commercial technology will fundamentally strengthen the U.S. economic and security posture in space

NRO’s spy satellite fleet to become more diverse
NRO Director Scolese said the agency will continue to build large, bespoke satellites but also will increasingly rely on lower cost commercial smallsats

Rocket Lab launches classified mission for National Reconnaissance Office
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched a National Reconnaissance Office mission Aug. 4 at 1:00 a.m. Eastern. The NROL-199 mission lifted off from the company’s Launch Complex-1 at Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand.