Google Earth, Foreign Wars, And The Future Of Satellite Imagery -- Fast Company
DigitalGlobe, the firm that provides much of the imagery for Google Earth, is launching a next-generation satellite in 2014. However, the super-sharp images of the WorldView-3 aren't for Google and Bing Maps: They're going straight to the military and intelligence agencies.
DigitalGlobe, the Colorado-based imaging firm responsible for much of Google Earth's, Bing Maps', and Google Maps' content, has a new satellite on the way. The WorldView-3 is a super-high-resolution remote-sensing satellite slated for a 2014 launch. Ball Aerospace & Technologies is building the satellite and ITT will be responsible for the WorldView-3's optical imager. However, the primary audience for Worldview-3 pictures won't be Google. Images from the new satellite are mainly intended to be sold and licensed to the U.S. government.
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Update #1: Lawmakers Push to Save Spy Program for Commercial Satellites -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Update #2: Lawmakers Petition White House to Save GeoEye, DigitalGlobe Satellite Program -- ExecutiveGov
Update #3: Lawmakers Rally Behind NGA’s EnhancedView Imagery Program-- Space News
My Comment: These changes will impact you and me .... I just wish we could get the super enhanced resolutions.