INFO 5: Development of Spy/Reconnaissance Satellites

[ibnuasad]

Spy and reconnaissance satellites have been developed throughout the years. This development was achieved through a series of steps. According to Waters, the "technology of military reconnaissance by satellite changed considerably over the years." In the 1960's and 1970's, the U.S. developed satellites that could use their own rocket engines and navigational systems to move from one orbit to another, or swoop closer to Earth for especially detailed observations. The U.S. military continued to develop satellites that could relay information to Earth on radio waves. Film-dropping satellites remained essential for high-resolution pictures until 1976. The biggest step to reconnaissance satellites came as result of the Cold War. " The Cold War was the development and deployment of increasingly sophisticated reconnaissance satellites, manned and unmanned spy planes, and land and sea-based listening posts" (High Flying 49). It was at this time that spy and reconnaissance satellites broke off from the other military satellites and formed their own category, officially.

[compnut]

Okay, now we're really getting technical; a satellite for spying? Well, I suppose that's a useful thing around the world. Boy, makes me want to have been the one to invent it. I think I just expanded my brain a tidbit more. I guess the government grabbed on that one right off, huh?

[Fry]

They have used satellites for spying for years and years.
I believe the Russians did this before anyone, now there are literally hundreds of satellies used for military and spying purposes from various countries, mostly Russia, USA and China.