Meanwhile, the report says, the Space Force should be in charge of pursuing large networks of small satellites under the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) — differentiating its “tactical ISR” job from the “strategic” mission of NRO.
By: THERESA HITCHENS for Breaking Defense
GEOINT 2024 — Rather than fixating on large constellations of small satellites, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) should be looking to build satellites even bigger and more capable of pinpointing targets than today’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance birds to stay ahead of China and Russia, according to a new report.
“The NRO should accelerate development of much larger ISR satellites for electro-optical, radar, and signals intelligence missions specifically designed for super-heavy launch vehicles. The exquisite intelligence and unparalleled indications and warnings such systems can provide would create a distinct advantage in the competition phase to bolster deterrence,” finds the report titled “Building an Enduring Advantage in the Third Space Age” and released today by the American Enterprise Institute.
