Missile Intercept Of U.S. Satellite Highlights Space Policy Issues
Seems to be Titan rocket?!ScienceDaily (Feb. 21, 2008) — The targeting by missile of a failed U.S. intelligence-gathering spacecraft now orbiting Earth spotlights a number of associated policy issues, from dealing with the growing problem of orbital debris and the need to establish space traffic control measures, to defusing concerns over the weaponization of space.
Officials at the Secure World Foundation have flagged the missile strike of the rogue spacecraft as a reminder of the need to preserve and protect the global commons of space for the benefit of all nations.
The out-of-control imaging spacecraft -- NROL-21, cataloged as USA 193 – was lofted for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California in December 2006. The classified satellite was trouble-plagued shortly after reaching orbit.
The bus-sized satellite carries an unused reserve of now-frozen hydrazine which is toxic. That is reason enough, according to U.S. military planners, to attempt an intercept of the errant spacecraft that could shower populated areas with the fuel.
