U.S. set to pull trigger on wonky spy satellite

[Psycho4Bud]

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon says the military's attempt to shoot down a wayward U.S. spy satellite as it falls toward Earth could happen as early as tonight, but no final decision on timing has been made.

Press secretary Geoff Morrell says senior military officers, including the head of the U.S. Strategic Command, are evaluating the situation and will advise Defence Secretary Robert Gates on the best time to carry it out.

The plan is to fire a missile that would release a non-explosive device -- on a path that would enable it to collide with the satellite, destroying the spacecraft and its components by force of impact alone.

The satellite is orbiting about 210 km above Earth.

It is carrying an almost-full tank of rocket fuel, the toxicity of which would pose a threat to human health in the event the satellite crashed in a populated area.
edmontonsun.com - World- U.S. set to pull trigger on wonky spy satellite

But how do "other" nations see this?

China and Russia have expressed concerns over the plan, saying that it represents a veiled weapons test and that it is the first step in a new, space-based phase of the arms race.
Out-of-control satellite to be shot down tonight - Telegraph

Maybe the pot calling the kettle black?

Washington has denied accusations that the interception is a show of strength after China's successful shooting down of a weather satellite in January 2007. It also denies that it is hiding technological secrets by destroying the satellite.

Have a good one!:jointsmile:

Psycho4Bud Reviewed by Psycho4Bud on 02-20-2008. U.S. set to pull trigger on wonky spy satellite WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon says the military's attempt to shoot down a wayward U.S. spy satellite as it falls toward Earth could happen as early as tonight, but no final decision on timing has been made. Press secretary Geoff Morrell says senior military officers, including the head of the U.S. Strategic Command, are evaluating the situation and will advise Defence Secretary Robert Gates on the best time to carry it out. The plan is to fire a missile that would release a non-explosive Rating: 5

[yokinazu]

i think i agree with china and russia. but hell how are we supposed to know if it works with out trying it out. so i say go for it.
on a side note thy have 3 missles to fire at it at a cost of 10mil per. i hope with that price tag they get it in the first shot

[silkyblue]

they need to shoot all satellites down, they are the core of the ozone problem (

they are there because of this nosey ass world !

theyd put cams in our homes if they could!

BRING ALL THE SATELLITES DOWN!

[keeko]

they need to shoot all satellites down, they are the core of the ozone problem (

they are there because of this nosey ass world !

theyd put cams in our homes if they could!

BRING ALL THE SATELLITES DOWN!

i think satellites are important in our space exploration. if we shot them all down we would be back to square one on searching for distant life.

[silkyblue]

think satellites are important in our space exploration. if we shot them all down we would be back to square one on searching for distant life.

distant life is here

on this planet!

roflmfao!

[psteve]

Wonky.
I don't have anything to add.
I just love saying that word.
Wonky.

[Psycho4Bud]

Wonky.
I don't have anything to add.
I just love saying that word.
Wonky.

LOL....that's why I picked this version of the article. Wonky...:lol5:

Have a good one!

[zeitgeist]

why not just send it to the sun? Seems like the easiest thing to do

[8182KSKUSH]

There will soon be a day when ships will not be able to escape earth's orbit unless we start shooting satellites down. It also rules that we can knock out other countries sats!:thumbsup:

[McLeodGanja]

Is it possible that it could be both a stray satellite that needs terminating AND an opportunity to test out some new space missiles?