Byron F. Knight

Chief Scientist

Advanced Systems and Technology Directorate

National Reconnaissance Office

Dr. Byron F. Knight is a United States Department of Defense Intelligence Senior Leader, currently serving as the Chief Scientist in the Advanced Systems and Technology (AS&T) Directorate at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, Virginia. He is the principal advisor to the Director for emerging science, technology, engineering and mathematics capabilities related to space reconnaissance. Previously to joining AS&T, Byron held numerous positions in the NRO Systems Engineering Directorate (SED). As the Deputy Director for Future Conflict Capabilities he was the principle technical advisor to the Director of Systems Engineering focused on improved reconnaissance systems and operations to address emerging tactical and operational military and intelligence needs. Prior to that, he served as the Mission Assurance Executive advising the NRO Director on, and providing oversight for, spacecraft reliability and maintainability and industrial base issues. From 2008 to 2010, Dr. Knight served at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) as the Chief Advisor to the NGA Director, overseeing customer needs and required future capabilities while on Joint Duty Assignment.