Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090857452000.htm

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High-resolution satellite launched

CALIFORNIA: A super-sharp earth-imaging satellite has been launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on the central California coast.

A Delta 2 rocket carrying the GeoEye-1 satellite lifted off at 11.50 a.m. on Saturday. Video on the GeoEye Web site showed the satellite separating from the rocket moments later on its way to an eventual polar orbit.

The satellite makers say GeoEye-1 has the highest resolution of any commercial imaging system. It can collect images from orbit with enough detail to show home plate on a baseball diamond.

The company says the satellite’s imaging services will be sold for uses that could range from environmental mapping to agriculture and defence. — AP