Fragging a satellite
The United States Navy is going to attempt to shoot down a falling spy satellite. The government announced several weeks ago that a recently launched NRO (National Reconnaissance Office) satellite had failed and communication had been cut off before it could be told to dump its half-ton load of hydrazine fuel. Even though the NSC originally pooh-poohed any danger caused by the falling bird, President Bush announced yesterday that an Aegis Cruiser will launch a non-explosive anti-ballistic missile to try and disintegrate the space craft.
The Internet is buzzing with conspiratorial rumors on the US action. The actual danger from the falling parts seem negligible as 90% of the ground trace is over open water. Many people believe that the US is secretly testing an ABM system or even worse a seaborne satellite-killer. The satellite is apparently an Imaging Radar craft. Aviation Week says that it is no bigger than 15' x 8', much of which is probably a fragile, easily burned-up fold-out radar dish. Of course, there could be another payload on the satellite that would cause an international incident if discovered.
Based on my admittedly 20 year-old experience, I suspect that they just don't want the little pieces to fall over Russia or China, just in case a studyable chunk survives. Plus, the military likes to test stuff and this is a golden opportunity to attempt to shoot a falling object from a Cruiser. (anti-meteors?) Either way, I hope they make the video public; it should be quite a fireworks show.
Posted on February 15, 2008
