The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) successfully launched a classified satellite mission on March 24 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, paving the way for the development of the largest ever US government satellite network. The launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida marked the first National Security Space Launch (NSSL) mission of 2025 and followed closely after the NROL-57 mission on March 21.
The NRO has been rapidly expanding its satellite network, launching over 150 satellites in the past two years. In 2025, approximately one dozen launches are scheduled, with roughly half aiming to expand its proliferated architecture. The new imaging satellite constellation, built in partnership with SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, is designed to support military operations and modernize US intelligence-gathering from space.
The NRO’s rapid expansion of its satellite network is critical for modernizing US intelligence capabilities. With the launch of this major contract under NSSL Phase 2, the agency is on track to develop a powerful and capable government constellation in orbit.
Source: https://spacenews.com/nro-expands-spy-satellite-network-with-back-to-back-spacex-launches