Navy to shoot down failed satellite Thursday
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Navy will likely attempt to shoot
down a faulty spy satellite Thursday, the day after the space shuttle
Atlantis is scheduled to land, two officials told CNN Monday.
The officials -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because much of the planning remains classified -- said the idea is to leave as much time as possible so a second attempt could be made if necessary.The officials -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because much of the planning remains classified -- said the idea is to leave as much time as possible so a second attempt could be made if necessary.
Tags satellite shoot+down deadly+fumes Thursday
The officials -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because much of the planning remains classified -- said the idea is to leave as much time as possible so a second attempt could be made if necessary.The officials -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because much of the planning remains classified -- said the idea is to leave as much time as possible so a second attempt could be made if necessary.
Because the 5,000-pound satellite malfunctioned immediately after launch in December 2006, it has a full tank of fuel. It would likely survive re-entry and disperse potentially deadly fumes over an area the size of two football fields, officials have said.
The Navy plans to fire at the satellite as it enters Earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 150 miles.
Tags satellite shoot+down deadly+fumes Thursday
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