I need to make a poster about reconnaissance satellites. The problem is, there isn't much declassified information about them because they're mostly classified by the government. I was hoping someone could help me out. On the poster I need to include: general weight and size, structure, what instruments these satellites use, their primary user, specific tasks of reconnaissance satellites, their type of orbit and typical orbital path and height, and other related information, like their history, development, and future. Thank You !!!
2007-11-20 09:08:35 · 6 answers · asked by pjp 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Just about everything you asked for is classified to some degree. The whole point of having a reconaissance program is to gather information without allowing anyone to know what you're gathering and how you're doing it. When the "how" becomes available, the countermeasures start. That's why the information is classified and why the government(s) won't even talk about their programs. Even if someone steals the classified information or guesses it, the government won't confirm whether or not it's accurate.
So....Try creating a poster showing the difficulties of putting up a spy satellite. Examples: you need big rockets to put up heavy satellites. You need big telescopes to take pictures, sensitive radios to listen from hundreds of miles away, radiation detectors, infrared sensors, sophisticated controls in order to point the detectors and cameras where you want them to look, big government budgets to pay for the rockets, satellites, and team of people and computers that will receive data from the satellites, private industry to create and put together the technologies used in the satellites, mathematicians, physicists, analysts, and linguists. There are so many people involved that it's amazing that the programs can be kept as quiet and secret as they are.
2007-11-20 09:37:14 · answer #1 · answered by David Bowman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might find websites or other sources looking for related technology, weather satellites or orbiting telescopes. You could also look for information on old spy satellites. Look for information on the websites of companies who make satellites . look for info on electro-optics.
2007-11-20 09:15:41 · answer #2 · answered by Gary H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not try sending your question directly to the Department of Defense? Tell them you want unclassified info only, no "spy" stuff, and I'm sure they'd send you something, maybe a lot, maybe all you need. Be prepared for a wait, though, it's the military.
2007-11-20 09:32:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go look at http://www.digitalglobe.com, one of the major providers of mapping and terrain information for Google Earth.
They just had a satellite launch within the last few months and they're quite (justifably) proud. I guess its rather the corporate equivalent of having a child.
Who doesn't boast about their kid?
2007-11-20 09:12:01 · answer #4 · answered by Elana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this may not have a lot, but wired science had a segment on satellites and had some useful info, on max size/ weight, cost to launch...
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/story/74-satellite_shopping.html
2007-11-20 10:28:49 · answer #5 · answered by flycurious 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Excuse me I'm looking for the nuclear wessels"
no, that's not suspicious at all...
2007-11-20 09:16:01 · answer #6 · answered by Faesson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋