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 . 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