Quote:
Originally Posted by kinetic
Firstly, my position is as a moon landing believer, unswayable.
But, one thing bugs me....
Probably an urban myth but I remember reading something once
about spy satellites being able to read number plates from orbit.
How high would one of those be?
Anything from low polar orbit and 300-400kms up to maybe
Iridium type altitudes.
If some of these probes have the latest in imaging technology, why aren't they sharper,
especially with an orbit of only 50kms?
Mike and people like Ralph Vandenberg regularly get ISS with
gobsmacking clarity from a hand guided 'webcam' and the closest
that ever comes is what, 200-300 miles up?
Hardly cutting edge imaging technology.
They resolve solar panels and heat exchanger panels on something
about as big as few semi trailers in size.
Why aren't the images clearer? 
Steve |
The present
Keyhole series (KH11-14) of recon satellites orbit at around 300kms. They use cameras with 2.4m mirrors and short focal lengths to take their piccies. They can easily pick out a license plate from orbit. The
Lacrosse satellites have even better resolution...10cm from 400-600kms.
Their resolutions are that good, you could give them the finger and they'd be able to take a piccie of it
