Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

"In other words, the Chinese military probably uses radar instruments to send signals down at the target from above, and determine how much radar bounces back to the instruments from the fighter jets..."

I'm curious, what type of radar is used in spy satellites? Is there any health risk for people on the ground?

Re: Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

#5

Post by Duff » Thu, Nov 17, 2011, 8:00 PM UTC

OstiaAntica wrote: post #4

"In other words, the Chinese military probably uses radar instruments to send signals down at the target from above, and determine how much radar bounces back to the instruments from the fighter jets..." I'm curious, what type of radar is used in spy satellites? Is there any health risk for people on the ground?

The military probably has radar on satellites similar to aircraft-mounted battlefield management systems like JSTARS

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-8_Joint_STARS)

Basically, they can identify tanks, buildings, and other large objects via radar. There are also millimeter band radars that can produce images.

Re: Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

#6

Post by arethuza » Thu, Nov 17, 2011, 8:21 PM UTC

OstiaAntica wrote: post #4

"In other words, the Chinese military probably uses radar instruments to send signals down at the target from above, and determine how much radar bounces back to the instruments from the fighter jets..." I'm curious, what type of radar is used in spy satellites? Is there any health risk for people on the ground?

Some information on radar imaging spy satellites:

China: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaogan

US: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacrosse_%28satellite%29

Germany: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAR-Lupe

I was slightly surprised to find out that Germany has such an extensive system of military spy satellites!

Re: Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

#7

Post by draz » Thu, Nov 17, 2011, 8:24 PM UTC

out of curiousity -- could the Manhattan grid be naturally used for satellite calibration (thus masking intention)? Could we install objects on top of buildings to help calibration (surreptitiously)?

Re: Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

#8

Post by borism » Thu, Nov 17, 2011, 8:37 PM UTC

OstiaAntica wrote: post #4

"In other words, the Chinese military probably uses radar instruments to send signals down at the target from above, and determine how much radar bounces back to the instruments from the fighter jets..." I'm curious, what type of radar is used in spy satellites? Is there any health risk for people on the ground?

it's 300+ km above you and passes at ~10km/s. how much more health risk does it pose than your neighborhood cellular tower or even your home wifi box for that matter?

not to mention that there are definitely more than 1 radar in 300km radius of you than this.

Re: Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

#9

Post by icebraining » Thu, Nov 17, 2011, 8:47 PM UTC

pault wrote: post #2

Do we have to link to fox news?

That's somewhat prejudiced, no? Besides, the content is originally from here[1], Fox News just republished it.

[1]: http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/mystery-structures-china...

Re: Google Maps Mystery Actually Spy Satellite Targets

#10

Post by Lagged2Death » Thu, Nov 17, 2011, 8:53 PM UTC

icebraining wrote: post #9

pault wrote: post #2

Do we have to link to fox news?

That's somewhat prejudiced, no? Besides, the content is originally from here[1], Fox News just republished it. [1]: http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/mystery-structures-china...

That's somewhat prejudiced, no?

The point of avoiding Fox is to eschew prejudice, I'd say.

You could summarize this story as "Yep, China has spy satellites," which isn't actually news to anyone who's interested. It's exactly the sort of "keep the people afraid" non-news Fox has become infamous for.