Spy Satellite falling to earth...

Domino · Sat 16/02/2008 01:31:23

I read about this a couple of weeks ago, hearing about a spy satellite that stopped working and is ready to come back to Earth. At first, it seemed kind of scary, wondering where the satellite will land.

But tonight, i read some interesting info on CNN.com about what the US plans on doing to take care of it.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/02/15/spy.satellite/index.html

It seems like a page out of a sci-fi movie...hope all goes well. That sucker is filled with toxic fuel and that could cause harm wherever it decides to crash.

Most of you probably already know, but just wanted everyone to be aware.

Hope they catch this all on video.

Take care,
Domino

Stupot · Sat 16/02/2008 08:57:36

Yeah, apparently you can see it from North America and Western Europe quite clearly in the sky shortly before sunset. I'll be looking out for it.

Nine Toes · Sat 16/02/2008 20:02:28

Quote from: Domino on Sat 16/02/2008 01:31:23
It seems like a page out of a sci-fi movie...hope all goes well. That sucker is filled with toxic fuel and that could cause harm wherever it decides to crash.

You're right, it does sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. I hope it doesn't bring the dead back to life.

Given that it's a "super-secret spy satellite", I sometimes wonder if they don't just say things like that to scare people.

The whole situation sounds ironic. It's carrying all of this toxic fuel, and they're trying to blow it out of the sky to protect us from it. *laughs* It's okay, I enjoy a good hydrazine shower from time to time!

Darth Mandarb · Sat 16/02/2008 20:20:39

I'm glad to know other people are interested in this [geeky] kind of stuff!

I wonder if Taco Bell will sponsor this one too!

Didn't they do something when Mir came back to earth ... they put up a big target and said if it hit the target they'd give a free taco to everyone in America ... or something like that!

I want my taco!!!

edit - found this link

Vlad · Sun 17/02/2008 01:24:42

According to the smart NASA people the bloody thing is going to crash somewhere in Poland. Central Poland to be precise.

Hey, I just happen to be living in Poland, in the very centre thereof.

...

Nine Toes · Sun 17/02/2008 02:52:34

It was nice knowing you, Vlad.

Emerald · Sun 17/02/2008 14:55:42

I heard about that too. My brother got a huge telescope for christmas. I'm a steal it and try to see this satellite. Maybe I can take close-up pictures and sell it to the Chinese...

Quote from: Nine Toes on Sun 17/02/2008 02:52:34
It was nice knowing you, Vlad.

I got dibbs on any surviving organs...

m0ds · Sun 17/02/2008 16:47:15

I heard of this and used it in a question in my pub quiz in January, seemed very interesting. They're saying the fuel on board is potentally lethal if it comes in contact with anyone which is a bit scary but their latest idea to blow it up/shoot it down is a good idea, very sci fi indeed hehe! The fact its on a "classified" mission though obviously states there's stuff on board (be it just systems or something) that the US don't want in other peoples hands. I'm sure Russia are very interested

Still, I'm looking forward to see what happens, whether they shoot it down or it crashes.

Cino · Sun 17/02/2008 17:56:55

The russians are already calling this a anti-satellite missile test, claiming it's not the first time a satellite becomes unstable and that usually they just burn up in atmosphere. But I wouldn't trust that source, since they've so many false accusations lately

Emerald · Sun 17/02/2008 18:53:03

Quote from: Cino on Sun 17/02/2008 17:56:55
The russians are already calling this a anti-satellite missile test, claiming it's not the first time a satellite becomes unstable and that usually they just burn up in atmosphere. But I wouldn't trust that source, since they've so many false accusations lately

That's basically what this is. The satellite most likely would just crash in the ocean somewhere, and the shielding around the core (where the fuel is stored) is strong enough to stay intact no matter where it lands, anyway. Then again, there's no harm in playing it safe. And, simultaneously proving that you have the capability of shooting things out of orbit...

Gregjazz · Mon 18/02/2008 08:24:05

Quote from: Emerald on Sun 17/02/2008 18:53:03
Quote from: Cino on Sun 17/02/2008 17:56:55
The russians are already calling this a anti-satellite missile test, claiming it's not the first time a satellite becomes unstable and that usually they just burn up in atmosphere. But I wouldn't trust that source, since they've so many false accusations lately

That's basically what this is. The satellite most likely would just crash in the ocean somewhere, and the shielding around the core (where the fuel is stored) is strong enough to stay intact no matter where it lands, anyway. Then again, there's no harm in playing it safe. And, simultaneously proving that you have the capability of shooting things out of orbit...

Yup, that's exactly what I heard. Just an excuse to test out the anti-satellite missiles or whatever.

Domino · Tue 19/02/2008 22:31:15

Looks like it is going to be shot down tomorrow night (Wednesday).

WASHINGTON - The military's attempt to shoot down a wayward U.S. spy satellite as it falls toward Earth could happen as early as Wednesday night, but no final decision on timing has been made, officials said.

Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said Tuesday that senior military officers, including Gen. Kevin Chilton, the head of the U.S. Strategic Command, are evaluating the situation and will advise Defense Secretary Robert Gates on the best time to carry it out.

The plan is to fire a missile that would release a "kinetic kill vehicle," - a non-explosive device - on a path that would enable it to collide with the satellite, destroying the spacecraft and its components by force of impact alone.

The satellite is orbiting about 130 miles above Earth's surface. It is carrying an almost-full tank of rocket fuel whose toxicity would pose a threat to human health if the satellite crashed in a populated area. That is the main reason President Bush decided last week to try to shoot it down, officials said.

"Within an hour of the missile being launched, we plan to issue a written statement notifying you," Morrell told reporters at the Pentagon. He added that it might take a day or more to determine whether the fuel tank was destroyed.

Gen. James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a news conference last week that the military is fairly confident that the Navy's SM-3 missile, fired from aboard a cruiser in the Pacific, will hit the satellite.

"I think Secretary Gates shares that confidence," Morrell said.

shbaz · Tue 19/02/2008 22:42:13

Quote from: Domino on Tue 19/02/2008 22:31:15
Looks like it is going to be shot down tomorrow night (Wednesday).

During..

DUM DUM DUUUM..

A lunar eclipse!

Nikolas · Tue 19/02/2008 22:45:04

WOW!

What are the odds huh?

Spy Satellite falling to earth...

m0ds