March 23, 2026

NRO deputy director warns of risks from space debris at tech forum

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — A dramatic rise in the number of satellites on orbit is increasing the amount of space debris, posing a critical threat to the capabilities of America’s national space systems, Maj. Gen. Chris Povak, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, said Monday.

March 12, 2026

Dr. Scolese speaks at AAS Goddard Space Science Symposium; discusses advancing cutting-edge technologies

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Reconnaissance Office is working to advance cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum sensing, to better meet the demands of its customers, NRO Director Chris Scolese said at an aerospace industry forum Thursday.

Feb. 12, 2026

Maj. Gen. Povak speaks at NSSA DISC; announces latest commercial contracts

Reston, Va. — The National Reconnaissance Office is always looking for innovative ways to leverage commercial technologies that can expand its capabilities on orbit and enhance its national security mission, Maj. Gen. Christopher Povak, deputy director of the NRO, said Tuesday.

Jan. 28, 2026

Declassifying JUMPSEAT: an American pioneer in space

The director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) recently declassified the existence of JUMPSEAT: the United States’ first-generation, highly elliptical orbit (HEO) signals-collection satellite.

Dec. 3, 2025

NRO at “precipice of a major transformation,” DDNRO tells industry forum

ARLINGTON, VA — The NRO is at the “precipice of a major transformation,” modernizing its entire space and ground infrastructure now and over the next decade...

Nov. 20, 2025

NRO embraces evolution of commercial partnerships amid “incredible technological revolution”

WASHINGTON, DC — The NRO is working to develop the best systems that will give the best information possible to policymakers, intelligence analysts, and warfighters.

Sept. 19, 2025

Director Scolese highlights NRO’s efforts to accelerate innovation

National Harbor, Md. — NRO is leveraging innovation to accelerate the delivery of space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance...

Aug. 14, 2025

NRO's Critical Role in Apollo 11's Safe Return from the Moon (1969)

On 20 July 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on Earth's only natural satellite...

June 18, 2025

Director Speaks to Leading in Space Through Speed, Innovation, and Partnerships

NRO Director Chris Scolese highlighted speed, innovation, and strong partnerships as keys to the NRO’s success in a June 18 address to the Maryland Space Business Roundtable.Addressing an audience of more than 250 professionals from industry, government, and academia, Scolese discussed how the NRO is leveraging partnerships to manage the challenges

June 17, 2025

NRO honors two Pioneers of National Reconnaissance at 25th induction ceremony

CHANTILLY, VA. — The National Reconnaissance Office honored Richard “Rick” Brubaker and Richard “Dick” Dyer as the 2024 Pioneers of National Reconnaissance at NRO headquarters on Tuesday, June 17. The Pioneer Recognition Program—now 25 years old—is the NRO's highest honor, celebrating people who have made significant, lasting contributions to the field of overhead