Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

This approximate model was created by fellow satellite enthusiast Oliver Jankovich based on Schöfbänker’s interpretation of collected images.
Image credit: Oliver Jankovich/Felix Schöfbänker

In the hush-hush, secretive world of space-based spy satellites, few details are publicly available – and groups like the U.S. Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency like it that way.

There’s an armada of classified spacecraft assigned an array of vigilant duties. Some intercept radio waves or detect missile launches. Others yield close-up looks at select areas using sharp-eyed optical systems or scan the Earth with powerful radar technology.

Image credit: Felix Schöfbänker

Imagery details

These high-flying satellites are temping targets for amateur astro-photographers.

Such is the case for space watcher veteran Felix Schöfbänker in Upper Austria.

For imagery and details on what’s being seen, go to my new Space.com story – “Caught on camera: Satellite tracker photographs secret spacecraft” – at:

https://www.space.com/secret-satellites-caught-on-camera

Image credit: Felix Schöfbänker