The company that operates the federal government’s surveillance satellites has partnered with Space Force and SpaceX in a current launch.
The Nationwide Reconnaissance Workplace mentioned its NROL-69 mission was launched Monday on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The reusable rocket booster landed safely after delivering the categorised nationwide safety payload into orbit.
The NRO mentioned the profitable launch is proof of the shut working relationship between the workplace and the Area Pressure Area Techniques Command.
“NRO and SSC’s partnership by way of the Nationwide Safety Area Launch program is a crucial step in safeguarding our nation’s pursuits in house,” mentioned Space Force Col. Eric Zarybnisky, director of the NRO’s Workplace of Area Launch. “Collectively, we’re advancing nationwide safety by guaranteeing the U.S. maintains resilient and cost-effective house capabilities to fulfill evolving threats and ship very important intelligence.”
The Nationwide Safety Area Launch is a authorities launch acquisition partnership program between the NRO and Space Force aimed toward securing steady entry to house for nationwide safety functions. Monday’s launch is the primary Part 2 mission, following two Part 1 missions in 2022.
The NRO has launched greater than 150 satellites over the previous two years, creating an imaging satellite tv for pc constellation. This week’s launch marks the NRO’s fifth of the yr, with at the least a dozen extra deliberate within the coming months.
The NRO says the satellite tv for pc community is crucial for intelligence gathering.
“For greater than 60 years, the NRO has efficiently met the wants of its U.S. intelligence, navy, civil, and allied companions. It stays the world’s chief in distinctive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance programs,” the NRO mentioned in an announcement. “The NRO’s next-generation programs will assist make sure that the precise information is delivered to the precise consumer on the proper time, quicker than ever earlier than.”
