[FormerLurker]

For any who haven't yet read my post #183, try reading it and then come back and tell me that they couldn't do that if they REALLY wanted to catch this guy.

[TankerKC]

...tell me that they couldn't do that...

This is not meant to be an insult, but do you have any expertise in this area? I don't, but I work with a few folks who do. First of all, the idea that we can do these things come from watching too many movies. Second, if a satellite were not in that orbit, you would have to change it. That would be risky (considering what it may already need to be looking at) and difficult.

Any other folks out there with some insight.

[cidrasm]

Ok, I'll play. They can't do that because we don't have satellite assets capable of doing just what you said. If you had proposed UAVs instead, then it would be plausible.

There's a good article here on FR (search on satellite I think) that explains how Hollywood has given intel sats capabilities beyond their current levels to make up for a poor plot line. Bottom line, low earth orbit satellites with sub-meter resolution move too fast in their orbit to maintain station for the period of time you require and no clouds. Geosync satellites orbit at 22,300 miles up and do not possess optics capable of distinguishing a single person.