Low-Orbit Satellite From Albedo Space Can Zoom In on Anyone on the Planet; Privacy Experts Say We Should Be Worried

As surveillance technology becomes more advanced, spy tools become better in terms of function and ubiquity. However, this also raises concerns about compromising privacy to trade for the promise of safety.

Big Brother Satellite

A startup company called Albedo Space announced its plans to create low-orbit satellites which can zoom in on individual persons down on Earth. Albedo co-founder Topher Haddad reported that his team hopes to develop a fleet of 24 spacecraft.

The majority of satellites orbit at a distance of 100 miles (160 kilometers) to 1,242 miles (2,000 kilometers) away from Earth. From this distance, space cameras can only view things like tail numbers on aircraft and street signs. However, Albedo aims to zoom in even closer.

Using telescope mirrors polished to the size of 1/1000 the size of a human hair, the company's satellites can produce images that are only 4 inches (10 centimeters) in diameter. The smaller centimeter imagery means that the generated images will not be as pixelated. This will allow satellites to view people, places, and objects with more accuracy.

The venture's co-founders claim that the satellites will not include identification-ready facial recognition technology. However, it is not mentioned that they will not image people or protect someone's privacy.

Albedo also signed two separate million-dollar contracts with the National Air and Space Intelligence and the U.S. Air Force to aid the government in monitoring potential threats to U.S. national security. Last month, the company raised $35 million to commercialize its Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite, in addition to the fund it raised in September 2022 worth $48 million.

READ ALSO: Planet Now Has 7,500 Low-Earth Orbit Satellites, More Than 30,000 Manmade Floating Objects

Issue on Privacy Invasion

Experts raise concerns regarding the impact of such a technology. According to Electronic Frontier Foundation general counsel Jennifer Lynch, the giant camera can be used for any government at any time without our knowledge. Meanwhile, Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan C. McDowell believes that the satellites can create a 'big brother is always watching' scenario.

The company was founded in 2020 and began creating satellites with its close-up technology. This was made possible under the administration of the former U.S. President Donald Trump which aimed to relax government regulation on civil satellite resolution in 2018. During his term, Trump updated the U.S. Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices and made new guidelines for satellite design and operations.

Under the previous regulations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it was illegal to develop a satellite that can see less than 12 inches (30 centimeters). At this range, cameras in space can only identify cars and homes, but not individual persons. But the new directive under Trump allowed satellites to track objects in space measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) since it would improve the way the Air Force could catalog objects.

During a public forum, Haddad answered the accusations that the satellites would destroy people's right to privacy. He claimed that the company is aware of the implications of their technology to privacy and its potential for abuse/misuse.

According to Haddad, the resolution of the satellites can potentially identify people, but it will only approve customers on a case-by-case basis. He also noted that the technology will help control climate change by showing regions that are mostly affected. Additionally, he reported that their surveillance satellites can be used in supporting the government in monitoring hotspots, eliminating uncertainties, and mobilizing with speeds.