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Satellite could plummet to Earth Spy satellite to plummet to Earth
(5 days later)
A "large" US spy satellite has gone out of control and is expected to crash to Earth sometime in late February or March, government sources say.A "large" US spy satellite has gone out of control and is expected to crash to Earth sometime in late February or March, government sources say.
Officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the satellite had lost power and propulsion, and could contain hazardous materials.Officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the satellite had lost power and propulsion, and could contain hazardous materials.
The White House said it was monitoring the situation.The White House said it was monitoring the situation.
A spokesman said "numerous" satellites had come out of orbit and fallen back to Earth harmlessly over the years.A spokesman said "numerous" satellites had come out of orbit and fallen back to Earth harmlessly over the years.
"We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause," said Gordon Johndroe, who speaks for the US National Security Council."We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause," said Gordon Johndroe, who speaks for the US National Security Council.
Questioned by The Associated Press, he would not be drawn on whether the US would try to destroy the satellite, perhaps with a missile.Questioned by The Associated Press, he would not be drawn on whether the US would try to destroy the satellite, perhaps with a missile.
An unnamed official quoted by AP said the US government was keeping lawmakers and other countries abreast of the situation.An unnamed official quoted by AP said the US government was keeping lawmakers and other countries abreast of the situation.
Fuel hazardFuel hazard
The satellite contains the rocket fuel hydrazine, a government official told AP on condition of anonymity.The satellite contains the rocket fuel hydrazine, a government official told AP on condition of anonymity.
A colourless liquid with an ammonia-like odour, the fuel is a toxic chemical and can cause harm to anyone who comes in contact with it.A colourless liquid with an ammonia-like odour, the fuel is a toxic chemical and can cause harm to anyone who comes in contact with it.
John Pike, director of the defence research group GlobalSecurity.org, said an uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of US secrets.John Pike, director of the defence research group GlobalSecurity.org, said an uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of US secrets.
Spy satellites typically are disposed of through a controlled re-entry into the ocean so that no one else can access the spacecraft, he was quoted by AP as saying.Spy satellites typically are disposed of through a controlled re-entry into the ocean so that no one else can access the spacecraft, he was quoted by AP as saying.
The military expert believes that shooting the satellite down would create debris that would then re-enter the atmosphere and burn up or hit the ground.The military expert believes that shooting the satellite down would create debris that would then re-enter the atmosphere and burn up or hit the ground.
In his estimate, the satellite weighs about 20,000 pounds (9,000kg) and is the size of a small bus.In his estimate, the satellite weighs about 20,000 pounds (9,000kg) and is the size of a small bus.
It is possible, he adds, that this one died as long as a year ago and is just now getting ready to re-enter the atmosphere.It is possible, he adds, that this one died as long as a year ago and is just now getting ready to re-enter the atmosphere.
Another expert, Jeffrey Richelson of the National Security Archive, said the satellite was probably a photo reconnaissance satellite.Another expert, Jeffrey Richelson of the National Security Archive, said the satellite was probably a photo reconnaissance satellite.
Into the oceanInto the ocean
AP notes that the largest uncontrolled re-entry by a US space agency (Nasa) craft was Skylab.AP notes that the largest uncontrolled re-entry by a US space agency (Nasa) craft was Skylab.
The 78-tonne abandoned space station fell from orbit in 1979.The 78-tonne abandoned space station fell from orbit in 1979.
Its debris dropped harmlessly into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia, the US news agency says.Its debris dropped harmlessly into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia, the US news agency says.
In 2002, officials believe debris from a 7,000lbs (3,200-kg) science satellite hit the Earth's atmosphere. In 2002, officials believe debris from a 7,000lbs (3,200kg) science satellite hit the Earth's atmosphere.
It rained down over the Gulf, a few thousand miles from where they first predicted it would crash.It rained down over the Gulf, a few thousand miles from where they first predicted it would crash.