Satellite’s fate up in the air
The U.S. Navy might try to shoot down a 5,000-pound spy satellite tonight. According to CNN’s Web site and reports from The Associated Press, they’ll only have a 10-second window, and the right weather conditions must be present.The attempt to destroy the bus-size object could cost as much as $60 million. Left to its own devices, experts say the satellite would make “uncontrolled re-entry” sometime in early March.
There seems to be some debate concerning the motives behind the plans to destroy the satellite. An article from Time speculates the attempt to destroy the satellite might just be a political game.
The AP reports and CNN, however, say the satellite contains hydrazine, a fuel that might be harmful if it ends up in populated areas. The chances of that actually occurring are supposed to be low.
Whatever happens with the satellite, hopefully no one will be hurt by it. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Posted by on 02/20 at 07:01 PM
Maybe it will strategically land somewhere we don’t like. Two birds with one stone.