Defunct Spy Satellite Falling From Orbit
Could the "hazardous materials" be plutonium? It has been used to power space devices in lieu of solar.
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.
"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.
Eileen Sullivan
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The 2002 crash (from CNN): ["The probability of the few EUVE surviving pieces falling into a populated area and hurting someone is very small," said Ronald Mahmot of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, which originally managed the EUVE mission. "It is more likely that the small pieces will fall into the ocean or fall harmlessly to the ground." Nevertheless, an estimated nine steel or titanium pieces could survive re-entry, ranging from four pounds to 100 pounds (1.8 kg to 45 kg)... It is expected to begin disintegrating when it descends to within 50 miles (80 km) of the surface, then re-enter the atmosphere approximately seven hours later. The re-entry window ranges from as far north as Orlando, Florida, and as far south as Brisbane, Australia. Scientists monitoring EUVE will not know the re-entry point until about 12 hours before impact. ]
Should the satellite falls on the Iranian capitol, we can just say "Oops!"
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