US National Intelligence Service (NRO) carried out two consecutive launches of reconnaissance satellites using SpaceX Falcon rockets 9, which was part of a massive expansion program for the largest government satellite array in US history.
Two launches in three days
24 March Falcon rocket 9 successfully launched the secret mission NROL-69 into orbit, launched from the Space Center at Cape Canaveral. This is the first NRO mission in 2025 year within the NSSL Phase contract 2, which SpaceX received from the US Space Force in 2020 year. It is also the first launch under the National Security Space Launch program (NSSL) this year. Only three days before, 21 March, another Falcon rocket 9 launched the NROL-57 mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The largest intelligence group of the USA
Over the past two years, NRO has deployed more than 150 satellites, creating the largest and most powerful government satellite network in the nation's history. IN 2025 next year, NRO plans to add approx 12 launches. About half of them will be devoted to expanding the network of small satellites, which will continue to unfold until 2029 year.
Cooperation with SpaceX and Northrop Grumman
The new satellite system is being created in partnership with SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The main goal is to support military operations and modernize US intelligence capabilities from space. Thanks to the accelerated deployment of satellites, the network will ensure prompt receipt of intelligence data, which is key to national security.
Source: https://spacenews.com/nro-expands-spy-satellite-network-with-back-to-back-spacex-launches/