In the latest episode of Sensing the Signal, host Terry Patar sits down with satellite imagery expert Allison Puccioni to explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping intelligence work. Allison shares insights and experiences from her 30-year career, starting as an imagery analyst in the U.S. Army to now running her own consultancy, Armillary Services.
They explore the continuing rise of commercial satellites, how AI is helping (but not replacing) human analysts, and examples like tracking Boko Haram’s movements across Nigeria and identifying nuclear facilities in Iran. They also address a fundamental challenge: even though commercial satellite imagery is growing in quantity and quality, how and why are intelligence organisations failing to make the most of these capabilities?