America confirms intention to shoot down stricken satellite
Friday, 15 Feb 2008 12:21
Pentagon confirms plans to shoot down rogue spy satellite
The United States has confirmed it plans to shoot down its own spy satellite after it began falling to Earth.
At a Pentagon press conference, senior military chiefs said a US navy cruiser would fire a missile at the L-21 satellite before it re-entered the planet's atmosphere.
The satellite, which could hit Earth at the beginning of March, is powered by rocket fuel – hydrazine – which can be fatal if inhaled by humans.
"When you inhale it, it affects tissues in lungs and [comes with a] burning sensation," explained General James Cartwright, vice-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.
"If you stick close to it and inhale it, it could be deadly.''
Launched in 2006, the two-tonne satellite has been drifting back to Earth since contact was lost with it earlier this year.
But Gen Cartwright told reporters that Washington was more concerned with people's safety rather than the implications of the satellite falling into a military rival's hands.
"That is the only thing that breaks it out, that is worthy of taking extraordinary measures," he insisted.
"We'll take one shot and assess. This is the first time we've used a tactical missile to engage a spacecraft."