Incoming Spy Satellite
Posted on January 26, 2008
The Associated Press is reporting that U.S. government officials have warned that a large U.S. spy satellite has ceased functioning and will be plummeting to Earth at some point in the near future. The destination of the satellite is completely unknown.
The satellite, which no longer can be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret.A secretive device containing hazardous materials about to crash who-knows-where? That's not good. Hopefully, scientists can find a way to figure out where the satellite might crash before it harms innocent people."Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council. "Numerous satellites over the years have come out of orbit and fallen harmlessly. We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause."
He would not comment on whether it is possible for the satellite to be perhaps shot down by a missile. He said it would be inappropriate to discuss any specifics at this time.
A senior government official said that lawmakers and other nations are being kept apprised of the situation.
The largest uncontrolled re-entry by a NASA spacecraft was Skylab, the 78-ton abandoned space station that fell from orbit in 1979. Its debris dropped harmlessly into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia.