The News Observation Project
Proposal
The News Observation Project considers how news organisations could gain access to satellite imagery anywhere in the world without requiring permission from a handful of large US tech firms.
The global news industry is worth around $125bn annually. The cost of launching a 4kg satellite the size of a shoe box, equivalent to Planet.com’s Dove craft is lower than ever.
Planet routinely censor images. A satellite owned and managed by news organisations would have fewer constraints. The choice of where to view would driven by editorial value, discussed and operated transparently.
- Concerns after satellite provider restricts Iran images following US pressure - BBC News 11/4/2026
- What U.S. Restrictions on Satellite Imagery Mean for Iran Reporting - New York Times 8/7/2026
There are universities all over the world who manage their own satellites, but there is not a single news organisation who can do the same thing.
Tohoku University in Japan is currently managing eight satellites of a similar size and complexity to those of Planet.
Surrey University in the UK has a ground station and is currently managing several satellite systems.
What could a lean proof of concept look like?
| Item | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Satellite bus | $1m–$2m |
| Imaging payload | $1m–$3m |
| Integration/testing | $500k–$1m |
| Launch rideshare | $350k–$1m |
| Insurance | $250k–$750k |
| Ground station access | $250k/year |
| Mission ops staff | $500k/year |
| Legal/regulator | $250k |
| Archive/distribution | $250k |
| Contingency | $1m |
Total Initial Budget ~$5m–$10m
This is genuinely achievable for a consortium of news organisations. Launch costs for small satellites have dropped dramatically due to rideshare launches. SpaceX publicly advertises rideshare pricing beginning around $350k for 50kg payloads.