A large United States spy satellite weighing about 20,000lb has lost power and could slam into Earth in late February or early March, government officials said Saturday.
The satellite, which no longer can be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret. It was not clear how long ago the satellite lost power, or under what circumstances.
Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said, "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.''
The spacecraft contains hydrazine, which is rocket fuel, a government official divulged. Hydrazine is a toxic chemical and can cause harm to anyone who comes into contact with it.
An uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of US secrets, said John Pike, a defence 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, he said.
Pike also said it was not likely the threat from the satellite could be eliminated by shooting it down with a missile because that would create debris that would then re-enter the atmosphere and burn up or hit the ground.
The satellite is estimated to be the size of a small bus.
In 1979, a 78-ton abandoned space station fell from orbit into the Indian Ocean.
all dem ting yah now..guess we affi go start look upmore often
Crazypickney said
15:40 01/28 2008
my lord, lets see what happens
Silly said
17:01 01/28 2008
ya dis hard fi some reason mi luv hear dem type a story ya
littlemisslinkz said
18:20 01/28 2008
lol mi jus hear dat pon di news its mad lol
Krazily Insane said
21:58 01/28 2008
we gonna diiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee we gonna freakin dddddddddiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeee LOL
jamaicabwoy said
22:01 01/28 2008
eeeeee february you say ....
Rakeem said
22:02 01/28 2008
mi nah tell yuh mi bredda..
jathugs said
22:26 01/28 2008
jah kno!!! everytime mi a walk mi ago look inna di air!!!lol
jathugs said
22:54 01/28 2008
fi real!!!! mi nah go feel comfertable from mi hear dis!!!
jathugs said
22:56 01/28 2008
me ago start walk wid a metal umbrella!!!
jamaican5star said
22:58 01/28 2008
Jathugs, yuh fool nuh Phuck! lmao
jathugs said
22:59 01/28 2008
gwaan go mek it drop u nuh f**king idiot!!!!
-- Edited by jathugs at 23:00, 2008-01-28
FiveStar said
00:24 01/29 2008
jah know...if it hit my house....ppl a go dead...mi nuh care how much man a protect di president...is a copper shot mi a put inna him forehead
Gucci said
03:53 01/29 2008
well mi nuh kno bout unnu.. but i figure if it gonna hit sumwhere on earth.. best place to be is way up in the air!.. sky diving here i komeeeee!
Major Krazy said
08:36 01/29 2008
US Space junk, f**kery!
RiddimRyder said
08:38 01/29 2008
America junking up di planet & di Universe....
bagaloo said
09:45 01/29 2008
ppl dont get too excited.... that ago burn up before it reach earth... a some men in black secretive ting dem a bring off... but dat nah go reach earth...believe me
....u seet KRAZY
chronic_387 said
10:31 01/29 2008
well me dun live undergroun so me kriss, plus its it's much kooler
A large United States spy satellite weighing about 20,000lb has lost power and could slam into Earth in late February or early March, government officials said Saturday.
The satellite, which no longer can be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret. It was not clear how long ago the satellite lost power, or under what circumstances.
Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said, "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.''
The spacecraft contains hydrazine, which is rocket fuel, a government official divulged. Hydrazine is a toxic chemical and can cause harm to anyone who comes into contact with it.
An uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of US secrets, said John Pike, a defence 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, he said.
Pike also said it was not likely the threat from the satellite could be eliminated by shooting it down with a missile because that would create debris that would then re-enter the atmosphere and burn up or hit the ground.
The satellite is estimated to be the size of a small bus.
In 1979, a 78-ton abandoned space station fell from orbit into the Indian Ocean.
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-- Edited by jathugs at 23:00, 2008-01-28