DigitalGlobe's new satellite now offering higher-resolution images to companies, governments

Satellite company DigitalGlobe Inc. says it has the technical ability and government clearance necessary to offer higher-resolution images.

The Longmont, Colorado-based company said Wednesday it is providing images of objects as small as 12 inches from space.

Previously, the highest resolution it could offer most customers was images of objects measuring 20 inches.

DigitalGlobe got permission from the U.S. Commerce Department last year for the higher-resolution images. The company's Worldview-3 satellite, launched in August, has the ability to deliver such images.

The company provides images for government and private customers, including national security and defense agencies, NASA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and civil emergency responders.