# Update on Satellites That Read Newspapers **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [September 15, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-satellites-that-read-newspapers/596413 "2011-09-15T17:42:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2011, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-satellites-that-read-newspapers/596413/21 "2011-09-20T13:52:05Z")
> [@gamerunknown](#): > > Or maybe even visit the newspaper’s website? I guffawed! Well played. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-satellites-that-read-newspapers/596413/22 "2011-09-21T17:29:56Z")
Related to the topic,[the National Air and Space Museum has an exhibit of the KH-9 “Hexagon” photo-reconnaissance satellite](http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/09/19/declassified-us-spy-satellites-reveal-rare-look-at-secret-cold-war-space/), popularly known as “Big Bird.” This satellite recorded images on photographic film, with image resolution per the article, “of 2 to 3 feet.” Seems a little low resolution for what I thought Big Bird was capable of—I had thought it was the higher resolution option to the later KH-11’s ability to transmit lower resolution video, but what do I know? Fascinating to get to see one of these in the flesh. Now, if we could see what the disappearing “Onyx 5” (nee Lacrosse) satellite actually looks like… ---
**Author:** ![Rickymouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/34f0e0/32.png) [@Rickymouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rickymouse)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2011, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-satellites-that-read-newspapers/596413/23 "2011-09-23T18:45:47Z")
So I guess it’s not safe to pee outside anymore because you may find it on the net? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-satellites-that-read-newspapers/596413.md?page=1)