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Abstract
Once the purview of governments, space technology is going commercial. The launch of EarlyBird 1, a product of EarthWatch Inc. and other similar satellites coming later this year illustrates both the promise and the challenge posed by a new era in space operations. Spurred by global competition, advances in technology and a loosening of Cold War government restrictions, commercial firms are investing in space technologies at an unprecedented rate. Along with economic opportunities come challenges for federal regulators trying to balance commercial interests with national security. According to Gil Klinger, acting deputy undersecretary of Defense for space, adequate measures exist to regulate imagery produced by US companies. The commercial success of the Global Positioning System is a problem for the military. Another problem is the vulnerability of satellite communications systems.