President Bush has broadened an existing policy of the federal government which will result in increased purchases of satellite imagery from private firms. Several such companies have been in operation in the U.S. beginning in the 1990’s and this policy should help their revenue streams.
At the same time the frderal govenrment is expecting to save money through this mechanism as compared with operating its own satellite systems for the gathering of intelligence. We expect that the defense/intelligence agencies will continue to manage their classified satellite systems, but the increased reliance on commercial imagery will fill a more general need.
More information: New postings at the Office of Science and Technology Policy