[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.

[FormerLurker]

Geosync satellites orbit at 22,300 miles up and do not possess optics capable of distinguishing a single person.

That you know of...

You HAVE heard of the Hubble Space Telescope haven't you? Imagine what something that powerful would see if it was turned towards the Earth.