Sources: Navy to shoot down failed satellite Thursday

[babylonsister]

Sources: Navy to shoot down failed satellite Thursday


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Navy will likely attempt to shoot down a faulty spy satellite Thursday, the day after the space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to land, two officials told CNN Monday.
art.satellite.usaf.jpg

A Delta II rocket lifts off in December, carrying a reconnaissance satellite that failed hours later.

The officials -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because much of the planning remains classified -- said the idea is to leave as much time as possible so a second attempt could be made if necessary.

Because the 5,000-pound satellite malfunctioned immediately after launch in December 2006, it has a full tank of fuel. It would likely survive re-entry and disperse potentially deadly fumes over an area the size of two football fields, officials have said.

The Navy plans to fire at the satellite as it enters Earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 150 miles.

more...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/02/18/satellite.intercept/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

[Ichingcarpenter]

1. Three Ships and $80 million dollars

What does Vegas say on the chance of them shooting it down? 3-1, 2-1 or zero

I bet the thing will be spread out across a 1500 mile debris field even if they don't hit it.

[shraby]

2. I have a question.

If it malfunctioned right after launch, and it still made it into orbit, how does it still have a full tank of fuel? Wouldn't it have used its fuel to attain orbit? Something doesn't sound right here.

[babylonsister]

4. Read this related article; we're being had.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2884201&mesg_id=2884201

[jmg257]

5. Rocket launched it? Satellite fuel for control once in orbit?

[TahitiNut]

10. On-board fuel tanks, part of the satellite and used for orbital adjustments.

Some satellites have propulsion systems, just like the shuttle has its own propulsion system. Orbital decay is a reality for satellites, particularly those in LEO (Low Earth Orbit). The earth's atmosphere thins but never goes away, and satellites still encounter the resistance of whatever degree of atmosphere exists, even if only 0.00000001% of sea level density.

It's even possible that an "intelligence" satellite has beefier on-board propulsion as an "anti-satellite" defense, under some notion of evading hostile attempts to destroy them.

[shraby]

12. Thank you to the two posters who enlightened

me. Now I'm wiser.

[Burma Jones]

3. Take your umbrella.....................

[old guy]

6. This will be declared a success no matter what.

It is happening to show the success of the "star wars" system so we can throw more money at it. All theatrics IMO.

[underpants]

7. I agree

I can't imagine they will let anyone know if it doesn't work....which it probably won't

[VP505]

8. This ought to be

fun to watch, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG, with Bu$h as Commander-in-Chief? Asked as I slink out the back door.

[babylonsister]

9. If you have an underground basement, you might want to consider that.

Just sayin'...

[Mz Pip]

11. Geez

Why am I thinking I will be spending my cross country flight Friday morning looking out of the window for incoming space junk? I notice that they aren't doing this until after the space shuttle lands. :scared:

I know the odds are slim but still...

Mz Pip

[malaise]

13. They're going to add this to

Bushco's clusterfucks.

[jus_the_facts]

14. KICK....and Rec'd....

:yoiks: