US satellite falling from orbit, could hit Earth

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Associated Press

Posted online: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:18:41
Updated: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:35:16

Washington, January 27: A large US spy satellite has lost power and propulsion and could hit the Earth in late February or March, government officials said.

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 on Saturday. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret.

"Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council. "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."

He would not comment on whether it is possible for the satellite to be perhaps shot down by a missile. He said it would be inappropriate to discuss any specifics at this time.

A senior government official said that lawmakers and other nations are being kept apprised of the situation.

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.

In 2000, NASA engineers successfully directed a safe de-orbit of the 17-ton Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, using rockets aboard the satellite to bring it down in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean.

In 2002, officials believe debris from a 3,175-kilogram science satellite smacked into the Earth's atmosphere and rained down over the Persian Gulf, a few thousand kilometers from where they first predicted it would plummet.

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pooping ur pants by lathern on 13 Feb 2008

blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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satellite by brandon on 06 Feb 2008

when will satellite hit earth

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Prem Anand Rajakumar/Covansys, by Prem Anand Rajakumar/Covansys, on 30 Jan 2008

Prem Anand Rajakumar/Covansys,

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Prem Anand Rajakumar/Covansys by Prem Anand Rajakumar/Covansys on 30 Jan 2008

Prem Anand Rajakumar/Covansys,

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It will hit Bin Laden by Saran on 28 Jan 2008

It will surely hit Bin Laden, if not Musarref. Who knows it may hit my home too. Beware sisters and brothers. Life is one time, don't loose it early. Pray to Bin Laden, or Jesus, they are saviours. I am sure, they will die with satellite hit for our sin.

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vijayakanth can help by vijayakanth fan on 28 Jan 2008

they could use help from our tamil action heroes to kick away the satellite and its debris. :-), especially Vijayakanth could help USA for this issue.

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Is airt travel safe during that time? by Snehal on 27 Jan 2008

Does anyone know what risk does it pose to aircrafts? Do ATCs get information regarding possible hazardous routers due to such rogue celestial man made elements?

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Tell later by sivsac on 27 Jan 2008

No, but we, ATC, will tell with allde tails after that HIT your plane...

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