US spy satellite to 'crash into Earth' after power failure
Sunday, 27 Jan 2008 11:39
Officials reveal US spy satellite could crash to Earth in February or March
An American spy satellite is expected to crash to Earth within the next two months after a power failure, officials have warned.
The White House has confirmed it is monitoring the situation, first highlighted by intelligence officials speaking on the condition of anonymity.
"We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause," US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.
Mr Johndroe, who refused to comment on whether the United States would look to blow the satellite up with a missile before it fell to Earth, added: "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."
According to reports, the satellite, said to be the size of a small bus, contains the rocket fuel hydrazine, which can be hazardous to humans.
Almost 30 years ago the 78-tonne abandoned Nasa space station Skylab crashed harmlessly into the Indian Ocean.
And in 2000 Nasa coordinated the re-entry of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory into the Pacific Ocean.