U.S. Navy shut down Spy Satellite, Earth saved
Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:34:27 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr
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The U.S. Navy has successfully destroyed the Spy Satellite that was reported to be out of control a couple weeks ago.
At approximately 10:26 p.m. EST today, a U.S. Navy AEGIS warship, the USS Lake Erie (CG-70), fired a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) hitting the satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Russell (DDG-59) were also part of the task force.
The objective was to rupture the fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could pose a danger to people on earth, before it entered into earth's atmosphere. Confirmation that the fuel tank has been fragmented should be available within 24 hours.
Due to the relatively low altitude of the satellite at the time of the engagement, debris will begin to re-enter the earth’s atmosphere immediately. Nearly all of the debris will burn up on reentry within 24-48 hours and the remaining debris should re-enter within 40 days.
The DoD will hold a press briefing at 7 a.m. EST to provide further information related to the "Star Wars" operation.
Via the DoD site.
Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:34:27 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr
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