Sentient (intelligence analysis system)

Sentient

Future Ground Architecture
Agency overview
Type	Classified AI‑powered satellite intelligence‑analysis system[1]
Jurisdiction	United States federal government
Headquarters	Chantilly, Virginia, U.S. 38°54′05″N 77°26′18″W / 38.90139°N 77.43833°W / 38.90139; -77.43833
Employees	Classified
Annual budget	Classified
Agency executive	Christopher Scolese, Director Troy Meink, Principal Deputy Director Major General Christopher S. Povak, Deputy Director
Parent agency	National Reconnaissance Office
Child agency	Advanced Systems and Technology Directorate
Website	nro.gov
Footnotes
Most program details remain classified.[1]

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Sentient is a classified artificial intelligence (AI)–powered satellite-based intelligence analysis system developed and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) of the United States. Described as an artificial brain, Sentient autonomously processes orbital and terrestrial sensor data to detect, track, and forecast activity on and above Earth. The system integrates machine learning with real-time tip-and-cue functionality, enabling coordinated retasking of reconnaissance satellites without human input.

Using multimodal intelligence data—from imagery and signals to communications and environmental feeds—Sentient is said to anticipate future events, prioritize targets, and serve as the predictive core of the NRO's Future Ground Architecture. Development and core buildout occurred from 2010 to 2016 under the NRO's Advanced Systems and Technology Directorate. Sentient is said to reduce analyst workload by automating routine surveillance tasks, enabling faster detection of threats and more responsive satellite coordination.