“We are delivering unprecedented levels of persistence, timeliness, and resilience—providing a clear information advantage to our stakeholders,” Adkins said in remarks to government, industry, military and academic representatives attending the event hosted by the Space Foundation. He described the system as a central element of what the agency calls the most significant transformation in its history.
The architecture is part of a broader effort to build what the NRO has described as the largest and most effective government satellite constellation the United States has deployed. The concept was outlined previously by Adkins’ predecessor, Troy Meink, who said a proliferated system would improve resilience, persistence and the speed of data delivery.
Since then, the NRO has launched more than 200 satellites, many of which are integrated into the proliferated architecture. Adkins said the system has moved beyond initial goals and is now delivering measurable results.
“Today, I can report that those goals are no longer aspirational,” Adkins said. “The NRO has been delivering—and often exceeding—those commitments.”
He added that in 2025 alone, the system generated more than 400,000 collections, producing a large dataset used to refine analysis and machine learning models. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are enabling adaptive tasking, autonomous operations and improved coordination across the constellation.
The system is also reducing revisit times, increasing persistence and improving resilience and security, according to Adkins. Combatant commands and other users are receiving training on tasking and analytical tools associated with the constellation.
“Simply put, we are making it harder for adversaries to hide—and harder for them to disrupt our capabilities,” Adkins said.
In parallel with space-based developments, the NRO is investing in ground systems to improve tasking efficiency, processing speed and automation. The agency is also developing advanced visualization tools to support users.
Adkins said partnerships across government and industry are supporting innovation and expanding capabilities. The NRO is working with more than 250 prime vendors and 5,000 subcontractors, including startups contributing to reduced costs and faster development cycles.
These efforts support the agency’s broader national security mission, including integrating multiple data sources for operational use. “We’re also integrating commercial and classified data to provide our users—whether warfighters, analysts, policymakers, or first responders—with the best possible information for decision-making,” Adkins said.
