We don't know much beyond that, as the NRO tends to be tight-lipped about its orbiting assets. However, the proliferated architecture satellites are thought to be "Starshield" craft — modified versions of SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites featuring some high-tech reconnaissance gear. SpaceX launches new round of spy satellites for NRO
Clyde Hughes
Fri, January 10, 2025 at 5:40 AM PST
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- SpaceX launched new spy satellites into lower Earth orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office, adding to the growing constellation of such U.S.-based intelligence-gathering satellites around the world.
- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the NROL-153 mission into space late Thursday from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California with "classified payloads."
- The satellites have advanced remote-sensing capabilities to give real-time data on military enemy movements and other intelligence to support U.S. operations.
- The NRO launched six missions last year and including Thursday's launch has five more on the horizon in 2025.
