By
The Associated Press
.
Published: Tue, February 19, 2008 - 4:12 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon says the military's attempt toshot down a wayward U.S. spy satellite as it falls toward Earth
could happen as early as Wednesday night, but no final decision on
timing has been made.
Press secretary Geoff Morrell said Tuesday that senior military
officers, including the head of the U.S. Strategic Command, are
evaluating the situation and will advise Defense Secretary Robert
Gates when is the best time to carry it out.
The plan is to fire a missile that would release a "kenetic
kill vehicle," - a non-explosive device - on a path that would
enable it to collide with the satellite, destroying the spacecraft
and its components by force of impact alone.
The satellite is orbiting about 130 miles above Earth's surface.
It is carrying an almost-full tank of rocket fuel whose toxicity
would pose a threat to human health in the event the satellite
crashed in a populated area.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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