how far is a spy satellite from earth?

Answer 1

Spy satellites are NOT in geosynchronous orbit. That's too far away. If you want to spy (i.e. get high resolution pictures) you get close, not far away.
Low earth orbit, just above the atmosphere, 250 - 500 km. (merely skimming the surface of the earth, as astronomical distances go.)

Answer 2

Typically they are in low earth orbit, only a few hundred miles above the surface. Two considerations force this type of orbit: the resolution of their cameras and the atmosphere.

If the satellites are too high the cameras they use would be unable to resolve small enough objects on the ground. If they are too low then the earth's atmosphere would cause the orbit to decay and the craft would re-enter the atmosphere too early in it's lifetime.

Some spy satellites are in polar orbit (at nearly a right angle to the equator. In such an orbit objects on any part of the globe can be imaged, because all latitudes are crossed by the satellite.

Earth-observing satellites are sometimes placed in orbits slightly retrograde, that is, they travel slightly north of west. If such an orbit is designed properly the sun will be at the same angle relative to the satellite (and the ground) as it passes over a point in it's orbit, all along the orbit. So, images of the ground will have the same length and orientation of shadows and comparison of images taken over several months or years can be more useful.

Answer 3

Vat spy satellite, comrade???????

Der are no such tinks as spy satellites.

Answer 4

It Depends on the location and who built it. You could try the US site. They still probably won't tell you.
ill put the site in source.

Answer 5

They probably are in a geosynchronous orbit.

http://groups.google.com/group/neat-astronomy?hl=en