Reports
Commercial Satellite Imagery Analysis for Countering Nuclear Proliferation
by David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, and Allison Lach
June 8, 2018
Abstract
High-resolution commercial satellite imagery from a growing number of private satellite companies allows nongovernmental analysts to better understand secret or opaque nuclear programs of countries in unstable or tense regions, called proliferant states. They include North Korea, Iran, India, Pakistan, and Israel. By using imagery to make these countries’ aims and capabilities more transparent, nongovernmental groups like the Institute for Science and International Security have affected the policies of governments and the course of public debate. Satellite imagery work has also strengthened the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency, thereby helping this key international agency build its case to mount inspections of suspect sites and activities. This work has improved assessments of the nuclear capabilities of proliferant states. Several case studies provide insight into the use of commercial satellite imagery as a key tool to educate policy makers and affect policy.
Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Vol. 46:99-121 (Volume publication date May 2018) First published as a Review in Advance on March 12, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-063016-015704
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