NRO

Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives in service to our country. We remember their sacrifice and remain committed to providing the critical information that supports and safeguards those who serve today.

A spectral band is a specific range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. By capturing data across multiple bands, analysts can reveal features that would otherwise remain hidden. #NRO #NationalReconnaissanceOffice #RemoteSensing #EarthObservation #NRODecoded

NRO, @USSF_SSC, and @SpaceX successfully launched NROL-172 yesterday from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This mission is the 13th overall launch of NRO's proliferated architecture and 2nd this year!

MISSION SUCCESS: NROL-172 launched today at 10:13 p.m. ET on a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB NRO & @USSF_SSC launching a proliferated mission with NSSL shows NRO's ability to leverage multiple launch acquisition strategies Press release: bit.ly/3RiuIYp

Watch Falcon 9 launch the @NRO_gov and @USSF_SSC’s NROL-172 mission from pad 4E in California twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

All systems are looking good and weather is favorable for liftoff. Propellant load is about to begin for tonight’s launch of NROL-172 from California → spacex.com/launches/nrol1…

LAUNCH UPDATE: NROL-172 is scheduled to launch on a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base NET May 11. This is NRO's 2nd proliferated mission in partnership with @USSF_SSC under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contract. 🤝

Earlier today, Dr. Chis Scolese, director of the NRO, spoke at the GEOINT Symposium highlighting how AI is revolutionizing NRO capabilities. Read more here: bit.ly/4d6L4L4

While NASA was sending astronauts to the Moon, another mission was unfolding in parallel. The NRO was launching classified reconnaissance satellites, advancing imaging and space technologies that would shape both national security and the future of space systems.

You may have passed one without knowing it. Those giant white spheres are radomes. Inside could be weather radar, air traffic systems, or satellite antennas. The dome shields equipment from the elements while allowing signals to pass through.

Creativity begins with perspective. Seeing what others see is only the first step. Progress comes from thinking differently and turning new ideas into action. Innovation has always required the courage to imagine what does not yet exist.

Earlier today, Mr. William Adkins, principal deputy director of the NRO, spoke at the 41st Space Symposium highlighting how the NRO has accomplished its most significant transformation in its history. Read more here: nro.gov/news-media-fea…

How fast do satellites travel? The average satellite moves at roughly 17,000 miles per hour. A commercial airplane cruises at about 600 miles per hour. That incredible speed is what keeps satellites in orbit and moving continuously around the Earth.

Space missions do not run on autopilot. Behind every launch and every orbit adjustment is a dedicated team tracking telemetry, sending commands, and solving problems in real time. Mission Control is where strategy meets execution to keep operations moving safely and precisely.

In 1962, reconnaissance aircraft captured clear evidence of Soviet missiles in Cuba. That intelligence gave President Kennedy critical leverage and helped prevent a nuclear crisis just miles from U.S. shores. What was seen from above helped change the course of history.

Maj. Gen. Chris Povak, NRO’s deputy director, joined Purdue University’s Space Policy, Science + Technology Symposium, and discussed the risks of space debris and what NRO is doing to mitigate the issue. Read more here: nro.gov/news-media-fea…

Earth’s orbit is getting crowded. Tens of thousands of objects circle the planet. At orbital speeds, even a marble-sized object can destroy a satellite on impact. Teams on the ground track debris and maneuver satellites to avoid collisions.

NRO is extremely proud of our director, Dr. Chris Scolese, for receiving the 2026 Goddard Trophy. 🌟 This prestigious lifetime achievement award is a testament to his significant contributions to national security and civil space throughout his career. Congrats!

Dr. Chris Scolese, NRO’s director, spoke at AAS’s 2026 Goddard Space Science Symposium earlier today. During his fireside chat he discussed advancing cutting-edge technologies, innovation, and speed. Read more here: bit.ly/3P7upPd

For more than six decades, the NRO has delivered unmatched situational awareness to those who protect and lead our nation. Through advanced imagery and signals data collection, space-based capabilities provide decision advantage when it matters most.