The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) sets sights on expanding its partnership with commercial satellite companies and AI providers, aiming to strengthen its geospatial intelligence capabilities amid increasing global demands.
NGA Targets Up to 10 Task Orders to Boost Commercial and AI Capabilities
The NGA plans to award as many as ten new task orders this fiscal year, focusing on its innovative Luno A and B programs, intended to leverage commercial satellite imagery analysis and artificial intelligence tools. Devin Brande, the agency’s director of commercial operations, revealed this strategy during the GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives.
“Luno has been a major focus for us in fiscal 2025,” Brande stated. “It has gained significant momentum from last year through this year, and we’re looking to build on that foundation.”
Luno Initiatives: Deepening Engagement with Commercial Satellites and AI Technologies
The NGA’s broad mission involves collecting and analyzing geospatial intelligence from a range of sources, including remote sensing satellites, drones, and other platforms. It disseminates vital data to various government entities, from the President to military commanders and international partners.
Luno A centers on analyzing satellite imagery from commercial providers, while Luno B aims to integrate commercial AI products and services to enhance analysis efficiency and depth. These programs currently involve nearly $500 million in contract vehicles and encompass 13 participating vendors, each contributing specialized capabilities through tailored task orders.
“Our goal is to expand our commercial partnerships and operationalize new AI tools to stay ahead of emerging threats and opportunities,” Brande explained.
Significant Milestone: Award of Third Luno A Task Order
At the symposium, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth announced the awarding of a third task order under Luno A, valued at $13.8 million, to Ursa Space Systems—based in Ithaca, N.Y.—for its Global Oil Awareness Tracker. This tool will provide unclassified commercial geoanalytics of petroleum production and storage facilities worldwide.
Ursa’s approach involves analyzing synthetic aperture radar images to monitor key economic sectors, providing insights into oil production levels and port traffic—crucial data for understanding global economic activity and geopolitical trends.
“Monitoring oil production is part of our broader effort to gauge economic activity and inform U.S. decision-makers,” Brande said.
Upcoming Awards Signal Continued Growth and Expansion
Brande indicated that two additional Luno A task orders are close to being awarded, highlighting the momentum of the program. Last September, NGA selected ten companies for a $290 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, focusing on unclassified computer vision and AI analytics. Subsequently, Maxar Technologies was contracted to monitor facilities for significant changes, while EMSI received an order for detailed terrain mapping.
Luno B, launched in January, involves 13 vendors competing for a $200 million funding pool. To date, no task orders have been issued under this initiative, but the agency expects to begin deployment soon.
Strategic Goals: From Contracting to Operational Use
Brande emphasized that the main objective is to conclude the bulk of tasking by early next year, enabling NGA to focus on integrating these capabilities into operational systems effectively. This integration aims to ensure that NGA’s diverse users—ranging from military personnel to policymakers—can readily access and utilize new data and analytical tools.
“It’s one thing to bring capabilities on board; it’s another to ensure that users actually need and can use them,” Brande noted. “We’re committed to thoughtful integration that puts GEOINT at the point of mission need.”
Tailoring Data Delivery for a Diverse User Base
Recognizing the heterogeneous nature of NGA’s mission users, Brande explained that delivery methods must be adaptable. Some clients may prefer unclassified email exchanges, while others require integration with specialized data systems or enterprise platforms to access new products seamlessly.
“Understanding how our users work helps us tailor our solutions, ensuring that critical intelligence reaches the right people, in the right way, at the right time,” he summarized.
Conclusion: A Strategic Push Toward Commercial and Digital Dominance
With substantial funding, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements, NGA is positioning itself at the forefront of the modern geospatial intelligence landscape—maximizing the potential of commercial satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to meet complex, evolving national security challenges.
