On the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Director Chris Scolese spoke at the Global Aerospace Summit 24 in Washington, D.C., offering insights into the agency’s evolution since its declassification in 1992. Established in 1960 by the Defense Department, the NRO, responsible for developing and operating advanced overhead reconnaissance systems, remained a secret organization for over 30 years. Its mission has since expanded to encompass both national security and humanitarian efforts.
During a fireside chat, Scolese discussed the agency’s critical role in acquiring satellite intelligence, partnering with the U.S. intelligence community, the Department of Defense (DOD), and international allies. “We look, listen, and sense, giving us a global view,” Scolese said, emphasizing that the intelligence gathered is distributed to various organizations for multiple purposes, including assisting warfighters and supporting disaster relief.
Scolese highlighted the NRO’s contributions in times of natural disasters, noting how the agency quickly provides overhead intelligence to first responders. Reflecting on the legacy of 9/11, he also honored the three NRO employees who lost their lives that day, acknowledging the agency’s role in preventing future attacks.
Despite the NRO’s successes, Scolese stressed the ongoing challenges posed by adversaries seeking to disrupt the organization’s ability to deliver vital intelligence. To stay ahead, the NRO continues to innovate not only technologically but also in how it collaborates with industry, academia, and other government entities.
As the NRO enters its post-declassification era, Scolese emphasized the organization’s ability to now recruit top talent. “Now that we’re no longer secret, we can recruit the best and brightest,” he said, attributing the NRO’s achievements to the quality of its workforce.–News Desk