National Reconnaissance Office

United States Air Force

Also known as: NRO

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is a highly secretive U.S. intelligence agency responsible for designing, building, and operating reconnaissance satellites. Established in the early 1960s, its existence was declassified in 1992. The NRO is part of the Department of Defense and works closely with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Its programs are among the most expensive and valuable sources of intelligence for the U.S. government, utilizing advanced surveillance technology. The NRO's work is crucial for national security, providing vital information through satellite imagery and other forms of intelligence gathering.12

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space exploration
United States
This effort resulted in the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), jointly directed by the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency. The very existence of this organization was kept secret until 1992. The NRO operated the initial Corona program until 1972. It continued to manage the development of successor photointelligence…
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This effort resulted in the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), jointly directed by the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency. The very existence of this organization was kept secret until 1992. The NRO operated the initial Corona program until 1972. It continued to manage the development of successor photointelligence…
Read More

intelligence
The United States
…of Defense also controls the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), one of several highly secret units that design, build, and operate satellites. Although it was created in the early 1960s, the NRO’s existence was declassified only in 1992. Its size and importance have grown with advances in surveillance technology. Its programs…
Read More
…of Defense also controls the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), one of several highly secret units that design, build, and operate satellites. Although it was created in the early 1960s, the NRO’s existence was declassified only in 1992. Its size and importance have grown with advances in surveillance technology. Its programs…
Read More