American satellite imaging companies are witnessing a boom in demand from unexpected customers: those based abroad.

Earth observation satellite operators such as Maxar Intelligence, BlackSky, Planet Labs and Capella Space are increasingly looking beyond traditional United States government customers and instead aiming to serve foreign nations who want their own surveillance capabilities. These companies, while still tethered closely to U.S. government contracts, are recasting themselves as global vendors of what they call “sovereign” space capabilities. As a result, they are striking high-value international deals that promise long-term revenue and access to new markets.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...