Inside the CASTLE Walls: NRO’s Innovative Space for Collaboration

The IC's New Center for Advancing Science, Technology, Learning, and Engagements
Image of a castle in Versailles, KY
While a castle might conjure images of a highly fortified structure (like this one in Versailles, Kentucky), NRO’s CASTLE was built to be a welcoming, collaborative venue (photo: Library of Congress).

 

Think intelligence work happens in some super-secret headquarters? Well, ok. You got us. But you should also know some of our best work happens through collaboration outside of our secure locations.

Case in point: NRO’s new Center for Advancing Science, Technology, Learning, and Engagements. The “CASTLE,” which opened its gates on October 28, 2021, exemplifies multifaceted engagement and an expansive approach to innovation – all while planting the seeds for developing future generations of intelligence professionals and collaborators.  

While a castle might conjure images of a highly fortified structure, designed to be secured against all comers, NRO’s CASTLE was built to be a collaborative venue between government, private industry and academia. The tech and information sharing center is a joint effort of NRO’s Advanced Systems and Technology (AS&T) directorate, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and Virginia Tech's Applied Research Corporation (VT-ARC).  

So, what’s exactly inside this CASTLE? 

The nearly 10,000 square foot campus boasts meeting and teaching spaces, laboratories, collaboration areas, and places for quiet work and study. In addition, Intelligence Community and Department of Defense officers can attend technical courses offered in the CASTLE on subjects such as data science and small satellites. Future plans are underway for strengthening STEM partnerships and providing programs for K-12 and postsecondary students.


Read more at NRO.gov about how the Intelligence Community is fostering greater collaboration