[cidrasm]

The reason the HST is in orbit is to overcome atmospheric distortion. Please research this subject a little more. Bottom line, your satellite idea isn't there yet technologically, but using cameras mounted on UAVs like we did in Afganistan is doable.

[FormerLurker]

The reason the HST is in orbit is to overcome atmospheric distortion.

That is true. However, I was simply pointing out that we have birds up there that have VERY elaborate optics, perhaps more so than the HST. Although the HST is taking advantage of the fact that it doesn't have to contend with the Earth's atmosphere, its optical capabilities are extraordinary.