Malfunctioning Spy Satellite Poses Possible Hazard to Populated Areas Within Two Months

According to a report from the Associated Press and officials from Washington DC, there is a large spy satellite that has lost the power to maintain its orbit. There is a possibility that it will strike the Earth sometime in the latter part of February or earlier part of March. Normally, satellites are small enough that they burn up on re-entry.

There are possibly hazardous materials aboard, which, if dispersed into the atmosphere, could pose health and environmental problems, according to the Associated Press and officials. The actual point of impact is unknown and unpredictable, but NASA and other government agencies are keeping track of the satellite's path and considering options to minimise the possible damage.
Initially, there was speculation as to whether missiles could be used to shoot down the errant satellite, but there is no official word as of this report.

As is the case with a celestial object such as a comet, using missiles to break the spy satellite into chunks could pose more of a threat than the actual object striking as a whole, because the debris would be scattered over a wider area if it were to survive the descent. The spy satellite is estimated to weigh 20,000 pounds, and would create a tenth of the debris that the Columbia space shuttle formed in 2003.
According to John Pike, an intelligence expert, if the crash is in a nation hostile to America, there is the chance that government secrecy could be breached, due to sensitive information contained within the satellite. It likely was used for photography, to take snapshots of activity in rival nations, such as construction at nuclear sites or possible terrorist training camps, said Jeffry Richelson, a member of the National Security Archive.

Pike also elaborated on the hazardous material: beryllium. The NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) states that beryllium dust can cause respiratory problems if inhaled, and can cause dermatitis if it makes contact with the skin. Beryllium is relatively harmless if ingested, becuase it is unabsorbed by the stomach and intestines. In dogs, however, consumption of trace amounts of the element caused ulcers.

About 1-15% of people develop a sensitivity to beryllium alloy. The reaction, as stated above, mainly targets the skin and respiratory system, and symptoms can begin within a few months after exposure to higher than normal levels of beryllium (greater than 0.02 nanograms per cubic metre). Other symptoms can include constant fatigue, weakness, night sweats, and a dry cough.

Often, satellites that lose their orbit are able to be directed into an ocean to keep sensitive information out of possibly hostile nations' reach. However, because the satellite has lost power, it cannot be controlled.

Sources:

AP News Report

Dangers of Beryllium