The company Albedo Space is developing a new type of satellite with cameras that experts fear could invade privacy. The new satellite would be able to differentiate between adults, children, and sunbathers and would provide clear pictures of people. Albedo head Topher Haddad reassures people that the technology can capture people, but not necessarily identify them. The company is taking steps to address privacy concerns, and investors in this endeavor include Bill Gates’ company Breakthrough Energy Ventures. the company is planning to launch its first satellite in early 2025.
Despite the potential benefits, experts are worried that the satellites could cause significant privacy issues. Jennifer Lynch of the Electronic Frontier Foundation has urged satellite regulators to consider this problem. Former heads of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have argued that the satellites could prove beneficial when it comes to fighting disasters and saving lives.
The issue of satellite surveillance became a major concern in 1986 after a nonmilitary American satellite captured the Chernobyl disaster. The images revealed that the reactor was leaking deadly radioactive debris. Since then, the quality of satellite images has continuously improved, enabling the identification of a wide range of objects on the ground. Albedo’s satellites aim to capture images of objects as small as 10 centimeters, which caused widespread discussion of the commercial possibilities. However, concerns over privacy remain.
Albedo has received regulatory approval to launch its imaging satellite with 10-centimeter resolution. In 2022, the company was contracted by the Air Force to see if its technology was capable of meeting an image interpretability standard scale. The company also received a second contract in 2023. Despite the potential benefits, experts warn that government regulations are necessary before the satellites are fully operational.
