The U.S. military and intelligence officials received briefings last week at a U.S. Space Force event about commercial spy satellites and the possibility of using their data in a military capacity.

Commercial imagery companies have long been used by those in the defense and intelligence sectors, according to a report.

However, the application of commercial imagery has been expanded following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and demand is growing for commercial satellites to collect new kinds of data.

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These include radar imagery, radio-frequency signals, and maritime and aerial traffic data, the report noted.

The method by which such data are collected and analyzed through multiple sources is referred to as tactical space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Last week's convention saw a team of space and traditional defense firms brief at least 50 government officials on space-based ISR, according to the report.

"It was really an opportunity to have a conversation about what is available and what’s out there," John Galer, assistant vice president for national security space at the Aerospace Industries Association, said.

"It was also an opportunity for Space Systems Command to talk about how they're trying to do business in a different way," he added.

Briefing the officials is the first step in establishing a greater understanding of tactical space ISR and defining its capabilities, according to Galer.

"Tactical ISR has not been precisely defined, and that's probably one of the reasons they're really having this conversation," he said. "You have satellite providers but also data analytics, cloud, and artificial intelligence companies."

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Companies responsible for providing geospatial intelligence view the expansion of tactical ISR as an opportunity for business, the report noted.