The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is gearing up for the launch of new satellites designed to enhance the U.S. military and intelligence community’s ability to monitor moving vehicles and individuals from space.

The Air Force aims to replace its aging E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft, which provide targeting data, with more resilient space assets.

A portion of the ground moving target indicator mission, known as GMTI, is intended to be transitioned to satellites.

Christopher Scolese, director of the NRO, confirmed that the agency has already deployed satellites for testing purposes and is now prepared to launch satellites for operational use.

However, specific details regarding the timing of these launches and the operational readiness of the systems have not been disclosed, Defense One reported.

The NRO is collaborating on this program with the Space Force, whose operators will be responsible for operating the new satellites and directing the sensors.

While precise information about the program remains limited due to classification, budget documents indicate that the Space Force plans to collaborate with the NRO to develop and deploy the GMTI system by fiscal year 2025.

Written by B.C. Begley