Elizabeth Leigh
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Letitia Long has expressed confidence that the U.S. government will eventually let commercial firms sell high-resolution satellite imagery, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Andrea Shalal writes that among the companies seeking for approval is DigitalGlobe, whose bid to sell sharper satellite pictures, lodged years ago, has raised debate on how it might impact intelligence work.
“It’s going to happen. Technology is moving in that direction,” Long told participants at the 30th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.
Her statement was seconded by another government official, who told Shalal that “it’s not a question of yes or no… (but rather) a question of when and how.”
Both officials cited nuances and complexities in coordinating with stakeholders to arrive at a decision, although Long told reporters after her speech that the move already has full support from the intelligence agencies.
