NRO nominee says commercial space, AI are reshaping spy satellite agency

Source Domain: spacenews.com

Roger Mason, President Trump’s nominee to head the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), highlighted rapid innovation in commercial space, AI, and increased threats in his Senate confirmation hearing.
The NRO, which operates spy satellites and collects commercial satellite imagery for military and policymakers, is experiencing a “space renaissance” driven by technology advancement and investments.
Mason, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with private industry, plans to continue acquisition approaches that allow for opportunities for startups and nontraditional suppliers.
He plans to manage the increasing volume of intelligence data through a proliferated low Earth orbit satellite architecture, with significant roles for artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Mason stresses the importance of protecting U.S. space capabilities from rival nations targeting satellites with anti-satellite weapons and emphasizes building a more resilient operational architecture.

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