The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) ordered $60 million of commercial satellite imagery from three U.S. companies, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Jan. 6. The awards were made under the $500 million Clearview program established in January 2003.

Digitalglobe and Space Imaging received modifications to their Clearview contracts valued at $24 million apiece, while Orbimage, which hopes to complete its acquisition of Space Imaging soon, received a modification valued at $12 million. All three companies operate commercial satellites capable of collecting imagery with a resolution of 1 meter or better.

The modifications provide for imagery purchases from Feb. 1 through Jan. 31, 2007. The imagery is used by the Pentagon and intelligence agencies for mapping and planning activities.