Commercial Imagery Proliferation

<p>This paper examines the proliferation of commercial satellite imagery the degree of risk this poses to US security and the general effectiveness of possible countermeasures. A problem-solution approach is used to examine the subject beginning with a review of international space agreements and US space policies to frame the regulatory environment influencing the industry. Specific examples of adversarial uses of commercial imagery are analyzed to establish the depth and breadth of the threat with potential users ranging from nation-states to terrorists using personal computers. Various countermeasures are examined which demonstrate the United States has some capability to counteract the use of commercial imagery. There are significant risks attached to such measures including collateral damage to other space assets and the diplomatic complexities of targeting private companies in other countries.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>