U.S. Disabled Spy Satellite to Be Shot Down
Such a decision was reached in order to prevent a possible deadly release of more than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of hydrazine fuel as a toxic gas from the satellite's fuel tank. The 5,000-pound (2,270 kg) satellite, known as L21, will be shot down by the Navy with a modified tactical missile.
According to Deputy National Security Adviser James Jeffrey, "This is all about trying to reduce the danger to human beings".
Officials have said that such an undertaking will be the very first effort of its kind by the U.S. due to the potential harm to people in an area where the satellite has been estimated to crash land.
According to Gen. James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there will be a "window of opportunity" for the satellite to be brought down by Naval efforts in the next three or four days with continuous attempts to last for a week's time thereafter.
"This is the first time we've used a tactical missile to engage a spacecraft", said Cartwright.
It is impossible to predict where the satellite will land until it enters the atmosphere. The satellite also has militaristic-sensitive imaging sensors which the U.S. would not want falling into the wrong hands.
Despite the sensitive issue because of the controversy surrounding China's anti-satellite test last year, this has not detered the U.S. in accomplishing the satellite's destruction.
Video Credit: Associated Press
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8 Comments
Post a CommentMasterPo, good reasoning but it's a strange cryptic way of sending out a message. I wonder what else lurks in the behind the scenes picture.
To Jesse: I heard on the local news that they hope to dissolve the toxic fuel while simultaneously destroying the satellite by hitting the fuel tank directly.
Has anyone bothered to think where that hydrazine fuel will go even if they succeed in blowing up the satellite? I'm no rocket scientist but what goes up must come down. We all know about chemical pollution in our rain don't we. Very good article.
To Bryan: Thank you. Yes, China has certainly had reason to give the U.S. a few things to think about, after the U.S. reprimanded them for satellite destruction. Alas, under the circumstances, i.e., lives at stake, what else is there to do but to target at the falling satellite? In the news I found a few contradictions such as "we only have one chance at this", but later on went on explaining that they would go for another time if needed. Let's hope the first attempt is successful, and that people will start breathing easier again. ;-)
To Tony: I think it would be better to have debris that can be down-sized [hopefully] by our electromagnetic fields where such objects would not cause 'hazard' to any life form on earth. Time will tell what the outcome will be. We must also bear in mind that Earth is covered with give or take two-thirds of water, which is a plus factor for us. I'm keeping optimistic. ;-)
Nice work. I especially like the tie-in with the Chinese test last year. Yes, the satellite's destruction will make more space debris, but IF the strike works, it MIGHT be the lesser of two poor choices. Ce la vie.
It was bound to happen. I wonder if they took the time to think that scattered debris by blowing it up could be just as hazardous? Good news article.
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