The satellite is capable of 50cm x 50cm resolution imaging with its latest update called Spotlight mode that allows for long exposures up to 60 seconds over an area of interest (AOI), which results in ‘crystal clear’ imagery.Ĭapella is currently testing a single device, but has obtained contracts with government agencies, including the National Reconnaissance Office and the US Air Force.Īn image of Chiyoda City skyscrapers in Tokyo appears to make the towers see-through, with streets visible on the other side. 'Ghost' images that appear to show the inside of structures is due to the satellite beaming down its own signal, and not just collecting light, which sometimes allows it to penetrate structures. SAR shoots powerful radio signals to 'illuminate' a point of interest, and collects data on the echo of each pulse that bounces back, interpreting them to create a detailed image.

Published: 17:48 BST, 18 December 2020 | Updated: 15:10 BST, 22 December 2020Ī new satellite that is orbiting the Earth can create high resolution images of nearly any place on our planet using radar – and is powerful enough to penetrate the walls of buildings.Ĭapella-2, designed by Capella Space, uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which can view the Earth regardless of air visibility, cloud covering or time of day - and is the same technology NASA has used since the 1970s. The firm has one satellite in orbit, but has signed contracts with a number of US government groups.Because the satellite sends its own signal down instead of collecting light it can penetrate walls.Echos from each pulse are then collected and interpreted to create the detailed images.It shoots powerful radio signals at a point of interest to 'illuminate' a target on the ground.This technology is called Synthetic Aperture Radar, which has been used by NASA since the 1970s.Unlike other commercial satellites, Capella-2 can see through dense clouds and operate at night.This allows for long exposures up to 60 seconds over an area which results in ‘crystal clear’ imagery.Capella Space's Capella-2 satellite is capable of 50cm x 50cm resolution imaging with its Spotlight mode.The spy satellite that can see INSIDE your apartment and take 'crystal clear' pictures even through clouds

Recent satellite view of my house