As commercial observation satellites produce high-resolution images available to almost every government, international agency, media organization, business and nongovernmental organization (NGO) in the world, they are an important new catalyst for bolstering global transparency.

John Baker examines the risks of terrorist use of commercial satellite imagery and concludes that "the potential perils posed by commercial satellite imagery are less than might be expected."

American commercial and civilian observation satellites, such as IKONOS, Landsat 7 and Terra, have attracted substantial public attention in recent years. However, these satellites represent only a few of many nonmilitary imaging satellites currently operating or planned to be launched over the next few years. It?s largely overlooked that foreign governments and a few foreign firms are expected to account for the lion?s share of expected growth in civilian and commercial observation satellites.

John Baker analyzes the market potential for commercial high resolution satellite imagery and concludes that "United States commercial imaging satellite firms are showing some real promise in becoming an integral part of the larger remote sensing industry, although progress has been slower than originally expected."

The author argues that the U.S. should clarify its position on 'shutter controls' --the possible censorship of commercial satellite imagery during a conflict-- to reduce uncertainty in the nascent imagery industry.