Report: satellite intercept planned for this week
Posted: Tue, Feb 19, 2008, 6:14 AM ET (1114 GMT)
An attempt by the US Navy to intercept a dead spy satellite with a missile could take place as soon as late Wednesday, according to various reports. CNN reported Monday that an attempt would be made on Thursday from a cruiser stationed in the Pacific near Hawaii, based on military sources who said much of the planning remains classified. A notice at airmen (NOTAM) has established an area of reserved airspace in the Pacific southwest of Maui for two and a half hours late Wednesday afternoon (local time); satellite observers note that the satellite, USA 193, would pass over this area while the NOTAM was in effect. The US government announced Thursday that it would attempt to destroy the satellite with a missile rather than allow the spacecraft to deorbit on its own, citing the health concerns from the satellite's large tank of hydrazine fuel, which would likely survive the reentry intact. Other observers have noted that the intercept would also prevent any sensitive technology on the satellite from falling into the hands of foreign governments, as well as demonstrate America's missile defense and ASAT capabilities.
An attempt by the US Navy to intercept a dead spy satellite with a missile could take place as soon as late Wednesday, according to various reports. CNN reported Monday that an attempt would be made on Thursday from a cruiser stationed in the Pacific near Hawaii, based on military sources who said much of the planning remains classified. A notice at airmen (NOTAM) has established an area of reserved airspace in the Pacific southwest of Maui for two and a half hours late Wednesday afternoon (local time); satellite observers note that the satellite, USA 193, would pass over this area while the NOTAM was in effect. The US government announced Thursday that it would attempt to destroy the satellite with a missile rather than allow the spacecraft to deorbit on its own, citing the health concerns from the satellite's large tank of hydrazine fuel, which would likely survive the reentry intact. Other observers have noted that the intercept would also prevent any sensitive technology on the satellite from falling into the hands of foreign governments, as well as demonstrate America's missile defense and ASAT capabilities.
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