Question:
In advancing the notion that US intelligence
is omniscient, it is often (and correctly) pointed out
that a US photo-reconnaissance satellite, such as the
KH11, can photographs the number on a license plate
on a car. What can't a photo-reconnaissance satellite
see that might be of importance to intelligence?
Answer:
The KH-11 space craft is 64 feet long
and weighs 15 tons . It flies across Soviet territory
every ninety minutes at altitudes of from 150 to 250
miles. At this relatively low altitude, its 6 foot-long
telescopes take pictures of pre-selected targets.
What can't it see? The KH-11 satellites
cannot take photographs at night, which is half the
time, or through clouds, which cover over seventy percent
of the Soviet Union at any one time. More important,
it cannot see what is going on inside buildings or under
roofs. And it is indoors where many secret developments
take place.
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