Commercial Remote Sensing by Satellite: Status and Issues

Citation
Richard E. Rowberg, Commercial Remote Sensing by Satellite: Status and Issues (Jan. 8, 2002) (full-text).

Overview
This report presents a review of the current commercial remote sensing industry including the current status of the industry and an analysis of key issues that are likely to affect its future. It provides a description of the technology of satellite remote sensing followed by a review of the history of its development. It examines three areas that encompass most of the important issues relating to the industry’s development: the commercial market potential and the role of the federal government as a purchaser and provider of remote sensing images; national security concerns about commercial remote sensing satellites; and federal regulation of the industry. Finally, the report presents a discussion of policy considerations.