Lack of Intelligence: America's secret spy satellites are costing you billions . .

U.S. News ^ | 08/11/03 | Douglas Pasternak

[FairOpinion]

"William E Burrows wrote a book called "Deep Black" about the development of US spy satellites,"

---

That's the one I was thinking about, just didn't remember the exact title and author. I read it some time ago.

[FairOpinion]

"Let's get rid of satellites, the NRO, the NSA, the CIA and the FBI.

Did I forget anything?"
---

Yes, the US military, might as well, right?

People keep wilfully ignoring that the various systems are supposed to work together and compliment each other, none of them can or should do 100%. As the opponents keep bringing up that a missile defense system can't protect us from a terrorist smuggling in nukes, and therefore we shouldn't build it. It's like saying your washing machine can's wash dishes, so it's useless.

[FairOpinion]

"Drones are the future. "

There is some truth, in what you say, but there are also major errors and omissions. Drones can't look at every place in the globe, do you have an idea what it would cost to fly drones 24/7 to cover the globe the way the spy satellites cover it?

Each has its role. The satellites are essential for reconnaissance, drones are excellent for known conflict areas, such as Iraq or Afghanistan.

[FairOpinion]

"The NRO's spy satellites are operated from the Satellite Control facility, a windowless building called the "Big Blue Cube" in Sunnyvale, California. "
---

I certainly hope they have not one, but several other such facilities deep underground somewhere, this one looks too exposed and vulnerable.

[FairOpinion]

"The intelligence community probably needs a dose of the same thing, as does the Department of State."

---

Amen to that!

[alnitak]

I read it about 12 years ago, it is out of print now, alas.