That satellite may just be over the pacific when the action is in Europe or something.  Spy satellites like weather satellites are polar orbits.  Eventually they will see the whole planet but if something happens when they are on the wrong side of the earth you have to wait to get your pic.  Also satellites have numerical designations.  DSCS III-08  for example.  Those will be Geosync satellites which means from earth they will appear fixed at all times.