Shot down, in a blaze of hydrazine
Matt Brown
Thursday, 14 February 2008 17:56 UTC
Remember that 9 tonne military satellite that’s due to crash into Earth any time now?
The US government has decided to shoot down the errant bird, rather than risk it crashing into an inhabited area or falling into the territorial lap of a rival power.
The satellite is, by now, in a very low orbit. Any material from the blast should soon rain down rather than lingering as space debris.
Chances are it’ll hit an uninhabited area, or the ocean. But a shower of jagged metal and hydrazine isn’t a savoury thought.
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Replies
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Wouldn’t the hydrazine burn up if they actually succeed in shooting this thing down? Not that that would be much help if the metal pieces started landing on you.
Obviously there has to be some doubt over whether they’ll manage to hit it, given they’re using the missile defence system (which doesn’t have a great track record).
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True, though I imagine there would be some residue left on the chunks of metal.
And, yes, it will be quite embarrassing if they miss. Especially given China’s recent success at blasting a satellite at a much higher orbit.
Michael Griffin (Nasa top dog) was quick to point out that the shuttle Atlantis will be safely on the ground before any attempt is made.
Quote of the day: ”This is the first time we’ve used a tactical missile to engage a spacecraft.” – James E Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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