Which agency was created in 1960 to take charge of highly classified reconnaissance satellites?

The National Reconnaissance Office was established in 1960 specifically to oversee the development and operation of highly classified reconnaissance satellites, which are critical for national security and intelligence gathering. This agency was tasked with integrating advanced satellite technology to provide crucial reconnaissance capabilities that were essential during the Cold War and continue to play a vital role in modern military and intelligence operations.

In contrast, while the National Security Agency focuses on signals intelligence and information assurance, the Defense Intelligence Agency is more concerned with military intelligence and assessments. The Central Intelligence Agency, although also involved in intelligence operations, primarily works on human intelligence (HUMINT) and is not directly responsible for managing reconnaissance satellites. The specific mission of developing and operating reconnaissance satellites distinctly identifies the National Reconnaissance Office's role within the broader intelligence community.