National Reconnaissance Office Release #5-23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2023

Office of Public Affairs

703-808-1198, media@nro.mil

NRO returns to Florida’s Space Coast for penultimate 

Delta IV Heavy Rocket launch with NROL-68 mission

CHANTILLY, Va. — The National Reconnaissance Office, in partnership with U.S. Space 

Force’s Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45), Space Systems Command (SSC), and United Launch 

Alliance (ULA), successfully launched the second-to-last Delta IV Heavy rocket from Space 

Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) with the NROL-68 

mission today, at 5:18 a.m. EDT.

The NROL-68 mission is the latest national security payload to deliver critical intelligence 

information from space that our warfighters and decision makers need. NRO continues to 

develop the largest, most capable overhead constellation in NRO history that provides the 

foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. 

“Today’s mission is another example of how the NRO continues to go above and beyond,” said 

NRO Director Dr. Chris Scolese. “Our architecture is evolving to ensure the United States 

remains the undisputed leader in space. The capabilities we are putting into orbit expand our 

intelligence advantage and enable us to deliver on our mission of keeping America safe.” 

NRO has launched 16 Delta IVs, comprised of Medium and Heavy variants, beginning with 

NROL-22 in 2006. NRO’s final Delta IV Heavy launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base was 

NROL-91 in 2022. NRO has one remaining Delta IV launch procured under the Launch Vehicle 

Production Services contract that is scheduled to launch from CCSFS in 2024. The contract is 

managed by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command, Assured Access to Space.

“An incredible amount of talent and technology went into making today’s launch a success,” said 

Col. Chad Davis, NROL-68 mission director. “I’m so proud of our team – both for their 

longstanding commitment to the Delta IV program, and to the innovation and skill they put into 

developing the next generation of space vehicles.”

Since 1961, NRO has pushed the envelope of U.S. space-based intelligence collection with 

boldness and ingenuity. Today, NRO’s innovative legacy continues to thrive as it develops, 

acquires, launches, and operates the world’s most capable spy satellites. NROL-68 will 

strengthen NRO’s ability to provide a wide-range of timely intelligence information to national 

decision makers, warfighters, and intelligence analysts to protect the Nation’s vital interests and 

support humanitarian efforts worldwide. 

Additional information on upcoming launches will be available at NRO.gov/launch. 
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The NRO is the leader in developing, acquiring, launching, and operating the nation’s 

intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites to secure and expand America’s 

advantage in space. We are building a diversified and resilient architecture of spacecraft and 

ground systems designed to meet the challenges of a changing space environment by 

accelerating innovation and leveraging strategic partnerships, backed by a diverse and highly 

skilled workforce. At the NRO, we See It, Hear It, Sense It so our nation’s warfighters and 

policymakers have decision advantage amid increasing global competition.

Learn more at NRO.gov.