A Window to Tragedy

The following are satellite images of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

The first five images are from Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite and were obtained from Space Imaging's website.

The last image is from the SPOT-4 satellite and was obtained from SPOT's website.

Click on the images for larger versions. Note: These images are very large; please be patient.
   

Manhattan, New York (color) - June 30, 2000 - IKONOS 1-meter (pre-attack)

This one-meter resolution satellite image of Manhattan, New York was collected June 30, 2000 by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. The image, taken from the south, prominently features the 110-story World Trade Center twin towers. IKONOS travels 423 miles above the Earth's surface at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

Image Size: 2.68 MB

 
Manhattan, New York - September 12, 2001 - IKONOS 1-meter (aftermath image)

This one-meter resolution satellite image of Manhattan, New York was collected at 11:43 a.m. EDT on Sept. 12, 2001 by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. The image shows an area of white and gray-colored dust and smoke at the location where the 1,350-foot towers of the World Trade Center once stood. IKONOS travels 423 miles above the Earth's surface at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

Image Size: 1.82 MB
Manhattan, New York - Summer IKONOS 1-meter black-and-white overview (pre-attack)

One-meter panchromatic image of Manhattan, New York.

Image Size: 1.92 MB
The Pentagon - December 28, 2000 - IKONOS 1-meter (pre-attack)

This one-meter resolution satellite image of The Pentagon was collected on Dec. 28, 2000 by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. Clearly visible are the cars in the parking lot, the Pentagon's renowned five-sided shape, the building's inners rings and five-acre courtyard. IKONOS travels 423 miles above the Earth's surface at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

Image Size: 2.49 MB
The Pentagon - September 12, 2001 - IKONOS 1-meter (aftermath image)

This one-meter resolution satellite image of the Pentagon was collected at 11:46 a.m. EDT on Sept. 12, 2001 by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. The image shows extensive damage to the western side and interior rings of the multi-ringed building. IKONOS travels 423 miles above the Earth's surface at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

Image Size: 1.55 MB
New York City - September 11, 2001 - SPOT 4 20-meter (aftermath image)

SPOT Image has released a false color composite image of the NYC downtown area, including the World Trade Center. This was acquired on 9/11 shorly after the attack.

Details:
Platform: SPOT-4
Spatial resolution: 20 meters
Acquisition time: 09/11/01 11:55 AM EDT SPOT-4 orbital altitude: 822 km
Band combination: Not specified, but presumed to be:
R 0.79 - 0.89
G 0.61 - 0.68
B 0.50 - 0.59

Image Size: 511 KB


The above IKONOS images are reproduced here with Space Imaging's permission. Here is their required legal information: "Credit: spaceimaging.com. Copyright © Space Imaging. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to publish in hard copy, broadcast and electronic media, provided proper attribution is given for each and every use."

The above SPOT image is reproduced here with SPOT's permission. Here is SPOT's legal information: "This copyrighted image may be used free of charge, with the appropriate copyright attribution, as follows: (c) CNES/SPOT Image 2001"

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