Congress cancels $1.7B satellite program

[babylonsister]

Congress cancels novel satellite program

Congress cancels Pentagon imagery satellite program; replacement plans unclear

PAMELA HESS
AP News

Oct 21, 2008 02:13 EST


With a federal budget crunch looming, Congress this month canceled Pentagon plans to buy and launch two commercial imagery satellites to complement its network of classified spy craft, military and space industry officials said.

House and Senate intelligence appropriations committees cut all funds for the satellite program during a conference to work out differences in the classified 2009 bills that approve intelligence spending. They also wiped out the remaining 2008 funds. The exact amount is classified, but the program was expected to cost about $1.7 billion, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the classified information.

With the Iraq war continuing, the Afghan war heating up and the national financial bailout casting a $700 billion shadow, the cancellation means the next administration will not be locked into an expensive and potentially controversial program, industry officials said.

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