NRO Invests in Proliferated Space Architecture, Ground System Modernization

The U.S. government is investing in a more diverse satellite architecture and ground systems to improve its space intelligence capabilities.

Speaking at the 39th Space Symposium on Tuesday, Troy Meink, principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, said that the agency’s investments in the said technologies will help the United States stay at the forefront of innovation.

The U.S. intelligence agency is also scheduled to modernize its ground systems to embrace automation, improving its advanced data processing and exploitation capabilities, SpaceNews reported.

Efforts to launch satellites across diverse orbits started in October 2023. In an interview with the Mitchell Institute, Space Force Maj. Gen. Christopher Povak said the proliferated network is expected to have improved overhead tasking, collection and data processing capabilities.

The NRO has been focused on improving its presence in space. In March, it launched the Agile Launch Innovation and Strategic Technology Advancement program to improve launch technologies across multiple areas.