reconnaissance satellite

Sky-watching spacecraft

A reconnaissance satellite is a spacecraft that orbits Earth to gather intelligence, typically through photography or electronic surveillance.

Military and intelligence agencies use them to monitor adversaries' military installations, troop movements, and weapons programs.

Also called spy satellites: The reconnaissance satellite captured images of the missile site.

Opposites

primary function

reconnaissance satellitecommunication satellite

Orbiting signal relay station

observation direction

reconnaissance satellitespace telescope

Instrument observing cosmos from orbit

secrecy vs. openness

reconnaissance satelliteCubeSat

Miniature standardized spacecraft unit

Family