WASHINGTON (AP) -- A large U.S. spy satellite has lost power and propulsion and could hit the Earth in late February or March, government officials said Saturday. A senior government official says lawmakers and other nations are being kept apprised of the situation.
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.
"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." Watch why the bus-sized satellite is causing concern »
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.
In 2000, NASA engineers successfully directed a safe de-orbit of the 17-ton Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, using rockets aboard the satellite to bring it down in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean.
In 2002, officials believe debris from a 7,000-pound science satellite smacked into the Earth's atmosphere and rained down over the Persian Gulf, a few thousand miles from where they first predicted it would plummet.E-mail to a friend
Why don't the armed nations of the world put all those anti-aircraft cannons to good use?
Course, there's the distinct possibility (or probability) of a hail of shrapnel, but the absolutely amazing fireworks display preceding it would be well worth multiple lacerations.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A large U.S. spy satellite has lost power and propulsion and could hit the Earth in late February or March, government officials said Saturday.
Well then, in this case I hope the satelite finds its way home!
Why don't the armed nations of the world put all those anti-aircraft cannons to good use?
Course, there's the distinct possibility (or probability) of a hail of shrapnel, but the absolutely amazing fireworks display preceding it would be well worth multiple lacerations.
Just a thought.
:bravo::awesome::rock:
Ėk Gusā Alhu Mėrā
The One Lord, the Lord of the World, is my God Allah.
Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Mahraaj Ji!
Kal Meh Bėḏ Atharbaṇ Hū Nā Kẖuḏā Alhu Bẖa.
In the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Atharva Veda became prominent; Allah became the Name of God.
sorry to get off topic but this reminded me...did u kno pluto isnt a planet?! no its "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nothing" << that dont sound nice anymore...:grumbling
personally I wish it would hit this beaver pond out near the drive, maybe the government would pay to clean it up and get rid of these lousy rodents as well
pesky little animals, you can shoot them and shoot them, they must breed like rabbits because they never seem to go away
"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell
"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte
"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the
enemy." - George Washington
Why don't the armed nations of the world put all those anti-aircraft cannons to good use?
Course, there's the distinct possibility (or probability) of a hail of shrapnel, but the absolutely amazing fireworks display preceding it would be well worth multiple lacerations.
Just a thought.
That's right. It's much easier to track a large object than it would be to track a zillion tiny but deadlies.
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Satellite is weeks away from hitting Earth
A senior government official says lawmakers and other nations are being kept apprised of the situation.
Watch why the bus-sized satellite is causing concern »
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