The White HouseDoD, Intel Mull Higher Rez Sat Shots -- DoD Buzz
The debate is in the very early stages but the intelligence community and the Commerce and Defense departments are considering whether to increase the resolution of electro-optical satellite imagery that can be sold commercially, sparking a complex discussion about whether this may provide enemies with substantially improved intelligence or actually boost US control over the best commercial imagery.
Several sources in government and industry confirmed the basic facts of the policy debate. All asked for anonymity. The Commerce Department has already completed one study of the impact of dropping the current restriction on commercial sale of anything better than .5 meter imagery.
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My Comment: Since Google Earth, there has been an explosion in the commercialization of satellite images.Whether the DoD does it .... or not .... some images will be available to the public within the next few years.