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Space

NRO Launches 13th Proliferated Architecture Mission

By Cal Biesecker

Tuesday, May 12th, 2026

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NRO Launches 13th Proliferated Architecture Mission

Recently released photo of an NRO satellite on orbit. Photo of the photo taken by Cal Biesecker

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on Monday night launched its 13th proliferated architecture mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The Falcon 9 lifted off at 10:13 p.m. EDT. The NROL-172 mission launch was the second proliferated architecture mission this year and the second mission in partnership with the Space Force Space Systems Command’s Systems Delta 80 under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Launch…

Congress

Warren And Sheehy Renew Call for “Right to Repair” In NDAA

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Timothy Sheehy (R-Mont.), two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are renewing their call for “Right to Repair” language in the National […]

HASC Looks To Restrict USV Deliveries Without Navy CONOPS And Strategy

The House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) fiscal year 2027 defense policy draft bill aims to restrict the Navy’s use of unmanned surface vessels (USV) until it decides on key factors […]

Congress

Gaps In Army’s Tactical Counter-Drone Capabilities Remain Concern Of HASC

A draft defense policy bill released this week says the Army is fielding counter-drone capabilities for defense of fixed sites and maneuver forces but suggests that troops at the lowest […]

Army

HASC Wants Closer Look At Army’s SBMC Program, Cites Avoiding Past IVAS Missteps

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) wants a closer look at the Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) effort, citing support for the development program while expressing caution to avoid […]