US Launches New Spy Satellites to Track Russian, Chinese Threats

NRO director dubs new constellation a space ‘watchdog’
Constellation seen operational in 2026 after checkouts

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket carrying a classified payload known as “Silent Barker” ahead of a launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sept. 8. — A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket carrying a classified payload known as “Silent Barker” ahead of a launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sept. 8.
Photographer: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

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By Anthony Capaccio

September 10, 2023 at 2:34 PM UTC

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The US Space Force conducted the first launch of a new constellation of early warning satellites designed to track Chinese or Russian spacecraft that could potentially disable or damage orbiting American systems.