Space Force Develops Separate Assets for Surveillance and Reconnaissance Missions

The Space Force plans to develop its own next-generation surveillance satellite constellation, separate from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). According to Col. Brendan Hochstein, commander of Space System Command’s Combat Power System Delta, the service intends to leverage lessons learned from SILENTBARKER and RG-XX satellites. A draft request for proposals is expected to be released by the end of the year. Breaking Defense reports that the Space Force will buy RG-XX satellites from commercial providers but own and operate them. The decision reflects a growing concern about reducing satellite magnitude, as seen in Russia’s recent experimental satellite launch.