Update:  Korean Rocket Launch Prompts Officials to Propose New US Satellites

Update: The proposal was approved by the administration on Tuesday. Included: more funding to purchase commercial imagery from GeoEye and DigitalGlobe. The $10 billion number may be off, according to one senator.

- Associated Press

—- Original Post 4/6/09———

The Wall Street Journal reports that Saturday’s rocket launch from North Korea has prompted proposals to restart federal efforts for surveillance satellites. The $10 billion proposal includes “a pair of large, cutting-edge spy satellites along with two smaller, less-expensive models commercially available today.” Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair and Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week asked the White House to approve the plans.

- Further details from the Press Association