A spy satellite is an Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications.

Examples of spy satellite missions:

  • high resolution photography (IMINT)
  • communications eavesdropping (SIGINT)
  • covert communications (HUMINT)
  • enforcement of nuclear test bans
  • detection of missile launches

See also:
  • Corona, the first US spy satellite took photographs of Russia and then ejected the negatives which descended to the Earth by parachute.
  • KH-9
  • Cosmos

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