The U.S. has a spy satellite that they lost control of some time back. They never could get the thing to communicate and now it is inching closer and closer to our atmosphere and will be re-entering and crashing to earth sometime in February or March.
Also, there is an asteroid that is skimming past our planet in close proximity. I don't feel threatened by the space potato near as much as this satellite, as the satellite has a full toxic fuel tank, that will hopefully burn up on re-entry, but they arn't sure what will happen. It also contains beryllium that was used for optics. Prairy
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January 27, 2008 - Large U. S. Spy Satellite “Out of Control.”
20,000 pounds, size of small bus and probably a photo reconnaissance satellite.
“We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage
this satellite may cause.” - Gordon Johndroe, US National Security Council
Example of government orbiting satellite is NOAA 11.
Associated Press and the BBC reported January 26, 2008, that officials “speaking on condition of anonymity said the satellite had lost power and propulsion, and could contain hazardous materials (such as beryllium). The White House said it was monitoring the situation and keeping lawmakers and other countries abreast of the situation.” It is unknown if the American government might try to destroy the satellite before it plunges to Earth sometime in late February or early March 2008. However, some defense and intelligence experts say that would create debris that could scatter destruction on ground impact. Where big satellite will come down has not yet been announced.
http://www.earthfiles.com/
Also, there is an asteroid that is skimming past our planet in close proximity. I don't feel threatened by the space potato near as much as this satellite, as the satellite has a full toxic fuel tank, that will hopefully burn up on re-entry, but they arn't sure what will happen. It also contains beryllium that was used for optics. Prairy
__________________________________________________________
January 27, 2008 - Large U. S. Spy Satellite “Out of Control.”
20,000 pounds, size of small bus and probably a photo reconnaissance satellite.
“We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage
this satellite may cause.” - Gordon Johndroe, US National Security Council
Example of government orbiting satellite is NOAA 11.
Associated Press and the BBC reported January 26, 2008, that officials “speaking on condition of anonymity said the satellite had lost power and propulsion, and could contain hazardous materials (such as beryllium). The White House said it was monitoring the situation and keeping lawmakers and other countries abreast of the situation.” It is unknown if the American government might try to destroy the satellite before it plunges to Earth sometime in late February or early March 2008. However, some defense and intelligence experts say that would create debris that could scatter destruction on ground impact. Where big satellite will come down has not yet been announced.
http://www.earthfiles.com/