Navy Succeeds In Intercepting Non-Functioning Satellite

FILE PHOTO - PACIFIC OCEAN - A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is launched from Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2008 -- A network of land, air, sea, and spaced-based sensors confirms that the U.S. military intercepted a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite which was in its final orbits before entering the earth's atmosphere.

At approximately 10:26 p.m. EST today, a U.S. Navy AEGIS warship, the USS Lake Erie (CG-70), fired a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) hitting the satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Russell (DDG-59) were also part of the task force.

The objective was to rupture the fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could pose a danger to people on earth, before it entered into earth's atmosphere. Confirmation that the fuel tank has been fragmented should be available within 24 hours.

Due to the relatively low altitude of the satellite at the time of the engagement, debris will begin to re-enter the earth's atmosphere immediately. Nearly all of the debris will burn up on reentry within 24-48 hours and the remaining debris should re-enter within 40 days.

The Pentagon will conduct a press briefing at 7 a.m. EST to provide further information related to the operation. Updates will follow on THE TENSION.

(Compiled from a Pentagon press release.)

Related:
Combat Camera: On Board USS Lake Erie; Feb. 20, 2008
Combat Camera: Navy Shoots Down Missile in Test

Tags: DOD, Military, Focus On Defense, United States, U.S., Open Thread
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Buzz, Tension

Blogstore: THE TENSION EXCHANGE
Shop Today's Deals at Amazon.com and Save!