‘Watchdog’ satellites launched to boost U.S. surveillance

The U.S. Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) have launched a new mission using surveillance satellites to keep tabs on potentially threatening spacecraft, as well as to monitor high-priority U.S. assets.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 4 rocket was used to launch the satellites on Sept. 10, following a spate of delays. 

The NROL-107 mission, also known as Silent Barker, was created to improve U.S. surveillance capabilities of potential threatening satellites, intended to “meet department of defense and intelligence community space protection needs.” 

“NRO and the U.S. Space Force have a shared interest to strengthen the nation’s space domain awareness and indications & warning capabilities,” the company said in a press release. “Strengthening these capabilities will be vital to defend Department of Defense and intelligence community critical capabilities against current and projected threats.” 

The number of satellites launched was not disclosed, though they are known to be operating in “geosynchronous orbit” (GEO), 24,000 miles from the Earth.

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