Back when the public had a minor fear of World War III in the back of their mind, a military arms race was underway between the major powers of the world. In order to maintain a competitive advantage, those superpower countries started to employ technology into their arms race.
I recall watching a news program where one country was touting their latest ability from current satellite technology. I watched in awe, as this craft hovering in the atmosphere high above was able to take pictures of the earth below. Then, I became even more fascinated as the macro lens on the camera continued to zoom inward toward the earth. My jaw literally dropped when I was able to make out the license plate of a parked vehicle — which was taken from that same satellite.