ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relevant issues of international law with respect to the following three aspects: Right to acquire remote sensing imagery; right to launch remote sensing satellites; Right to disseminate remote sensing imagery; Right to seek remote sensing satellite imagery. It examines newly adopted regulations and policies to determine whether or not they are consistent with the applicable principles of international law. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) currently markets worldwide 5.8 m resolution imagery from its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series. It has also planned to launch in 2002 its new remote sensing satellite called CARTOSAT, which will produce 2.5 m images and help meet growing demand for satellite imagery in India and abroad. Military applications of satellite imagery include: reconnaissance, missile launch detection, arms control treaty verification, strategic and tactical planning etc. In fact, Canada has already declared to follow the American approach in developing national controls on the collection and distribution of satellite imagery.
