We’re Gonna Shoot It Down
The military is studying ways to shoot down, or more accurately break-up an intelligence satellite that failed [we think] to function properly and is losing altitude. It will soon enter the atmosphere and large portions of it may reach the ground. Aviation Week
DoD
An uncontrollable U.S. experimental satellite which was launched in December 2006 is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere between the end of February and early March. Because the satellite was never operational, analysis indicate that approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kgs) of satellite mass will survive reentry, including 1,000 pounds (453 kgs) of propellant fuel (hydrazine), a hazardous material.
Although the chances of an impact in a populated area are small, the potential consequences would be of enough concern to consider mitigating actions. Therefore, the President has decided to take action to mitigate the risk to human lives by engaging the non-functioning satellite. Because our missile defense system is not designed to engage satellites, extraordinary measures have been taken to temporarily modify three sea-based tactical missiles and three ships to carry out the engagement.
Based on modeling and analysis, our officials have high confidence that the engagement will be successful. As for when this engagement will occur, we will determine the optimal time, location, and geometry for a successful engagement based on a number of factors. As the satellite’s path continues to decay, there will be a window of opportunity between late February and early March to conduct this engagement. The decision to engage the satellite has to be made before a precise prediction of impact location is available.
Contact with hydrazine is hazardous. Direct contact with skin or eyes, ingestion or inhalations from hydrazine released from the tank upon impact could result in immediate danger. If this operation is successful, the hydrazine will then no longer pose a risk to humans.
The U.S. government has been and continues to track and monitor this satellite. Various government agencies are planning for the reentry of the satellite. In the event the engagement is not successful, all appropriate elements of the U.S. Government are working together to explore options to mitigate the danger to humans and to ensure that all parties are properly prepared to respond. In the unlikely event satellite pieces land in a populated area, people are strongly advised to avoid the impact area until trained hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams are able to properly dispose of any remaining hydrazine.
The only capacity I am aware of the we have which “might” do that is the Star Wars missle defense system. How Stuff Works
The RIM-161 SM-3 (AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense) has been tested and is available on a small number of naval vessels in the Pacific.
Ground Based Interceptors are also a potential weapon.
According to Global Security.Org, the Clinton administration killed all anti-sat programs though they opine that black budget programs continue.
Both of the Star Wars systems are in limited, testing mode.
Fielding (Weapons)
• Emplaced 9 Ground-Based Interceptors (GBI) (long-range) at Fort Greely, Alaska, and 1 GBI at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. (total 21 in Alaska, 3 in California)
• Delivered additional 13 Aegis SM-3 interceptors (short- to intermediate-range); total of 21 SM-3s in inventory
• Delivered required upgrades to 4 Aegis missile defense-capable engagement destroyers for a total of 7 Aegis Destroyers and 3 Aegis Cruisers
Missile Defense Agency
Is this a doable op? Or… is the Pentagon about to reveal something from the black budget? What if the shoot can’t be done in the Pacific? What if the shoot has to be done over someone else’s real estate?
Thanks to Glenn for the story idea.
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