New imaging policy set

The White House has released a national policy governing the licensing and operation of remote-sensing space systems used to collect imagery and geospatial data.

To address the government's increased need for and reliance on privately owned commercial space systems to protect national security, the U.S. Commercial Remote Sensing Space Policy stresses that private systems should be built to meet security standards set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Pentagon.

The policy, signed April 25, also spells out the levels of foreign access to U.S. commercial remote-sensing space capabilities, as well as government-to-government intelligence, and defense and foreign policy relationships involving remote sensing.

Remote-sensing space capabilities refers to spacecraft, ground stations, data links and associated command and control facilities.