Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues
Abstract
Reconnaissance satellites, first deployed in the early l960s to peer into denied regions of the Soviet Union and other secretive enemy states, have from time to time been used by civilian agencies of the federal government to assist with mapping, disaster relief, and environmental concerns. These uses have been coordinated by the Civil Applications Office at the U.S. Geological Survey, a component of the Interior Department. Post 9/11, the Bush Administration has sought to encourage use of satellite-derived data for homeland security and law enforcement purposes, in addition to the civil applications that have been supported for years. In 2007, it moved to transfer responsibility for coordinating civilian use of satellites to the Department of Homeland Security. The transfer occurred, however, apparently without notification of key congressional oversight committees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA478852
Entities
People
- Jennifer K. Elsea
- Richard A.. Best Jr.
Organizations
- Library of Congress