Amateur Astronomer Captures Images of US Spy Satellites

The recently launched Sentinel-2C satellite has begun delivering high-resolution images of Earth, enhancing environmental monitoring capabilities as part of the Copernicus program. Launched aboard the last Vega rocket, it captures imagery across 13 spectral bands from an altitude of 786 km, providing expansive views of various terrains including urban areas and natural landscapes. Meanwhile, amateur astronomer Felix Schöfbänker has gained attention for photographing classified US spy satellites, specifically those from the Future Imagery Architecture program, using a 14-inch Dobsonian telescope. His detailed observations reveal the physical characteristics of these satellites, which are designed for all-weather imaging, and he notes their antennas have a directional bias during operations. Schöfbänker, while aware of the sensitivity surrounding such technology, believes that his findings likely do not surprise advanced rival governments. Additionally, a separate report highlighted a moment when a secret Chinese spacecraft was captured lighting up the sky in Austria.