How about this as a cheaper alternative to satellite coverage...
...DB110 on a platform that can fly for 20ish hours and according to NASA:
The aircraft, designed for long-endurance and high-altitude flight, will be used for multiple roles. NASA's Suborbital Science Program within the Science Mission Directorate will be Ikhana's primary customer, using the vehicle for Earth science studies. A variety of atmospheric and remote sensing instruments, including duplicates of those sensors on orbiting satellites, can be installed to collect data for up to 30 hours.
Here is IKHANA with a similar sized pod...
So I would say that this is far more affordable option to huge satellite costs??
