Washington - (AP) - A large U.S. spy satellite has lost power and could hit the Earth in late February or early March. The satellite, which no longer can be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down. The information is classified as secret.
Such an uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of U.S. secrets, said John Pike, a defense and intelligence expert. Spy satellites typically are disposed of through a controlled re-entry into the ocean so that no one else can access the spacecraft.
The spacecraft weighs about 20,000 pounds. Satellites have natural decay periods, and it's possible this one died as long as a year ago and is just now getting ready to re-enter the atmosphere.
As for hazardous material in the spacecraft, Pike said it might contain beryllium, a light metal with a high melting point. Breathing beryllium can lead to chronic, incurable respiratory problems.
The largest uncontrolled re-entry by a NASA spacecraft was Skylab, the 78-ton abandoned space station that fell from orbit in 1979. Its debris dropped harmlessly into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia.
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Full Version: Disabled spy satellite threatens Earth
So, as long as it hits a desert or an ocean we will be ok?
Heh, I wonder if a satellite annihillating your house is covered under homeowners insurance 
I hope it lands right in China or the Middle East, that's terrible not divulging where it is going to land.
QUOTE (Owlscrying @ Jan 27 2008, 03:05 AM) 
Washington - (AP) - A large U.S. spy satellite has lost power and could hit the Earth in late February or early March. The satellite, which no longer can be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down. The information is classified as secret.
Such an uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of U.S. secrets, said John Pike, a defense and intelligence expert. Spy satellites typically are disposed of through a controlled re-entry into the ocean so that no one else can access the spacecraft.
The spacecraft weighs about 20,000 pounds. Satellites have natural decay periods, and it's possible this one died as long as a year ago and is just now getting ready to re-enter the atmosphere.
As for hazardous material in the spacecraft, Pike said it might contain beryllium, a light metal with a high melting point. Breathing beryllium can lead to chronic, incurable respiratory problems.
The largest uncontrolled re-entry by a NASA spacecraft was Skylab, the 78-ton abandoned space station that fell from orbit in 1979. Its debris dropped harmlessly into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia.
go
Such an uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of U.S. secrets, said John Pike, a defense and intelligence expert. Spy satellites typically are disposed of through a controlled re-entry into the ocean so that no one else can access the spacecraft.
The spacecraft weighs about 20,000 pounds. Satellites have natural decay periods, and it's possible this one died as long as a year ago and is just now getting ready to re-enter the atmosphere.
As for hazardous material in the spacecraft, Pike said it might contain beryllium, a light metal with a high melting point. Breathing beryllium can lead to chronic, incurable respiratory problems.
The largest uncontrolled re-entry by a NASA spacecraft was Skylab, the 78-ton abandoned space station that fell from orbit in 1979. Its debris dropped harmlessly into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia.
go
It is good when the re-entry is controlled' but unlike this on it could creat a great didaster. If It crashes at a nucular power palant.That would be real bad. It may still be 20,00lbs when it hits.
Ijust hope it dosent hit in my neighborhood.
Does anybody remember when skylab fell? The masks and mats and the toys that came out, one mat saying land hear, you put on your neighbors front yard.
Sounds cool.
Sounds cool.
that fell in esperence western australia..
here is a link of what one guy experienced.
here is a link of what one guy experienced.
How big would the impact be if it hits? I hate to think what would happen if it hits a city or something.
QUOTE (Tsume @ Feb 28 2008, 08:26 AM)
How big would the impact be if it hits? I hate to think what would happen if it hits a city or something.
You must have missed the other thread on it; it has been shot by a missle and destroyed; the little peices are burning up on re-entry. No big deal..
That's a relief then 
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