Scott Large is stepping down as director of the National Reconnaissance Office, effective April 18, Reuters news wire service reported Thursday. According to Reuters, Large sent a memo to NRO employees on Wednesday announcing his decision, but without citing a specific reason for his departure. Large became the 16th NRO director in October 2007. His announcement came just on the heels of the Obama Administration approving a plan to procure new spy satellites (see above).
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.

