► Image Requests

Request a Historical Satellite Image

Looking for old satellite images of a specific location? Submit a request and we'll search the full USGS declassified archive which contains over 1 million frames of historical satellite photography captured between 1960 and 1984 by CORONA, GAMBIT, and HEXAGON reconnaissance programs and add the best available image to the public archive.

Please note: this archive covers the Cold War era only. We are not able to fulfil requests for imagery from after 1984.

Image availability depends on cloud cover, scanning status, and orbital coverage. We'll let you know what we find.

Browse the existing archive of historical satellite images or check the interactive map to see what's already available before submitting.

Standard
Free
  • Added to the request queue
  • Processed in order received
  • Image added to public archive
  • No guaranteed turnaround
Priority
Express
From $50 USD
  • Moved to front of the queue
  • Faster turnaround
  • Image added to public archive
  • Scanning costs covered if needed
If an image hasn't been digitised yet it costs money to scan. Express orders help cover these costs and keep the archive free for everyone.

Submit a Request

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll search the declassified CORONA, GAMBIT, and HEXAGON satellite image archive. We'll get back to you at the contact address provided. Express orders will receive a payment invoice once we've confirmed availability.

If an image requires scanning, it may take up to 4 weeks to appear in the archive due to external factors.

Needed if you'd like a response — required for Express orders.
Due to a higher than expected volume of free requests, responses are taking longer than usual right now. I appreciate your patience. Express requests remain a priority.

Frequently asked questions

Most locations on Earth were photographed, however cloud cover can affect visibility. If we can't find a usable image we'll let you know, and standard requests won't cost anything.
Images are added to the public archive on spacefromspace.com as interactive maps with links to the raw files. You will receive an email once your request has been added.
Standard requests are worked through in order. Turnaround varies depending on the queue but is typically a few days to a few weeks. If scanning is required there is no guarantee of when the image will be added as this costs money.
Standard requests are free and processed in order. Express orders are paid, moved to the front of the queue, and scanning costs are covered if the image hasn't been digitised yet.
The declassified archive covers 1960 to 1984. We can't search outside this range for this service, but modern imagery of most locations is available through our contact page or commercial providers.
We search the archive for the best available image or images of your location. If we find something suitable we'll let you know, then it gets processed and added to the archive. If you provided an email we'll let you know when it's live. Express orders receive a payment invoice before work begins.

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SpaceFromSpace is a solo project. Patreon members help keep the archive growing, cover scanning costs, and get notified about new imagery. Every contribution makes a difference.

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