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U.S. looks to new spy satellite system

The plan follows an earlier project that was abandoned.

WASHINGTON - The United States is pursuing a multibillion-dollar program to develop the next generation of spy satellites, the first major effort of its kind since the Pentagon canceled the ambitious and costly Future Imagery Architecture system two years ago.

The new system, known as BASIC, would be launched by 2011 and is expected to cost $2-billion to $4-billion, according to U.S. officials familiar with the program. They discussed details on condition of anonymity because the information is classified.

Photo reconnaissance satellites are used to gather visual information from space about adversarial governments and terror groups, such as construction at suspected nuclear sites or militant training camps. Satellites also can be used to survey damage from hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters.

The new start comes as many U.S. officials, lawmakers and defense experts question the high costs of satellite programs, particularly after the demise of the previous program that wasted time and money.

The Defense Department is in the initial stages of preparing the new program for bidders.

The Pentagon's classified "request for information" on the technology was issued this fall to industry.

Comments were due two weeks ago. A solicitation for proposals is expected next spring.

[Last modified December 1, 2007, 01:24:10]