The KD-2 Mine in West Virginia as seen by SkySat 2. Photo: Skybox Imaging

[Via Satellite 10-24-2014] Skybox Imaging, the satellite imagery company purchased by Google for nearly $500 million in cash, has initiated the Skybox for Good program where the company will provide current satellite imagery for projects dedicated to environmental sustainability, education and humanitarian goals.

Currently in the beta phase, Skybox for Good provides satellite imagery using SkySats to a small group of organizations. The images will be available through a Creative Commons by Attribution license (CC BY 4.0) so anyone can use or see them.

Skybox for Good is part of Google Earth Outreach, which provides resources to nonprofits and public benefit organizations to help tell their story. Skybox intends to expand the number of organizations who can use the company’s satellite imagery.

Skybox has two satellites in orbit today: SkySat 1 and SkySat 2. A further 13 satellites have been contracted to SSL for manufacture.