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SpaceUnited States

NRO Proliferated Architecture

Reconnaissance satellite constellationIn servicePending verification

Also known as: Starshield (NRO), Proliferated architecture

SpaceUSA
NRO Proliferated Architecture
Photo: Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi, U.S. Space Force / DVIDS · Public domain, DVIDS
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeReconnaissance satellite constellation
Alternative designationsStarshield (NRO), Proliferated architecture
ProliferationOrigin country only
Program status14 launches through NROL-179 (June 2026); "hundreds" of satellites on orbit; launches continue through 2029Med[1]
First launch2024Med[2]
Mission
MissionMulti-phenomenology ISR supporting intelligence and Department of War usersMed[1]
Orbit
Orbit regimeLEOMed[1]
Summary

Large NRO constellation of small LEO reconnaissance satellites, launched in batches since May 2024.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
United States
Sources
  1. NRO Launches Fourteenth Proliferated Architecture Mission with NROL-179, National Reconnaissance Office
    Published/updated 2026-06-01 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-11-08
  2. NROL Launch Press Kit: Proliferated Architecture, National Reconnaissance Office
    Published/updated 2026-01-07 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-11-08
Change log
  • 2026-11-08 Entry created from cited open sources