spy satellites

Latest about spy satellites

The Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-71 spy satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is seen during tower rollback operations at Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Launch of New US Spy Satellite Delayed Again

By Tariq Malik published

The much-delayed launch of the new U.S. spy satellite NROL-71 has been postponed again due to an issue with its rocket, but it's unclear when exactly the mission may fly.

Satellites
The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-71 spy satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office stands atop its launchpad at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base ahead of a Dec. 19, 2018 launch attempt.

Launch of New US Spy Satellite Delayed to Early 2019

By Tariq Malik published

The launch of an much-delayed U.S. spy satellite has been delayed again, this time to no earlier than Jan. 6, according to the United Launch Alliance.

Satellites
NROL-71 Rolling Out

Rocket Glitch Delays Spy Satellite Launch Again

By Mike Wall published

Wednesday's (Dec. 19) planned launch of the NROL-71 spy satellite was scrubbed due to a rocket glitch. The liftoff is now scheduled for Thursday (Dec. 20) at 8:31 p.m. EST (0131 GMT on Dec. 21).

Satellites
The Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the classified NROL-71 spy satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is seen at sunset Space Launch Complex 6 of California's Vandenberg Air Force Base on Dec. 8, 2018.

Last-Minute Glitch Delays US Spy Satellite Launch

By Tariq Malik published

The launch of a clandestine new U.S. satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office was delayed by a last-minute glitch less than 8 seconds before its planned liftoff late Saturday (Dec. 8).

Satellites
DARPA military constellations art

US Military Aims to Launch Cheap New 'Blackjack' Spy Satellites in 2021

By Mike Wall published

The U.S. military's spy-satellite network will get a serious makeover in the next few years, if all goes according to plan.

Satellites
Dana White, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, and Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, the Joint Staff director, brief the press at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Jan. 11, 2018. During the briefing, they referred questions about the Zu

Pentagon Shuts Down Questions About Zuma, and Raises More Questions

By Sandra Erwin published

Private Spaceflight
President Donald Trump discusses space policy at the White House Dec. 11, 2017.

Trump's National Security Strategy to Stress Technological Innovation

By Sandra Erwin published

Tech
Himalaya Glaciers Satellite View

Cold War-Era Satellites Spy on Himalayan Glaciers

By Kacey Deamer published

The Cold War may have ended decades ago, but spy satellites' data from that era are now being used for a new mission: tracking environmental change in the Himalayas.

Satellites
U.S. Spysat Lacrosse 5

A Revealing Look at the Once Secret Spysat Lacrosse 5

By Leonard David published

Satellites
Fireball from Suspected Russian Satellite

Space Sleuths Piece Together Fiery Fall of Russian Spy Satellite Debris

By Leonard David published

Satellites
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