In the near future, the United States will launch two more spy satellites, further expanding its already formidable orbital reconnaissance network.
This April, the satellite fleet of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) will grow with two new spacecraft. According to NRO Director Christopher Scolese, these launches are part of the agency’s broader strategy to enhance its space-based capabilities. Over the past two years, the NRO has deployed approximately 150 satellites, with at least a hundred of them launched last year alone.
The development of this satellite network has been secretly underway for several years. Its primary objective is to ensure the collection and transmission of data from various orbits. Scolese emphasized that this initiative sets new standards in data acquisition speed, processing efficiency, and real-time transmission — effectively denying adversaries the ability to operate undetected while providing near-instantaneous intelligence to ground operators. The NRO designs, launches, and operates reconnaissance satellites in support of US government interests. In recent years, the agency has increasingly collaborated with commercial entities to augment the capabilities of its satellite systems, underscoring Washington’s ambition to maintain dominance in space.
Although officials have not disclosed the companies involved in building this new constellation, previous reports have named Northrop Grumman and SpaceX as key participants. The network is expected to feature a hybrid architecture, combining traditional defense systems with unconventional solutions. Looking ahead, the NRO plans to further bolster its capabilities through additional satellite launches scheduled through 2029.