USN missile strikes failed satellite

An out-of-control surveillance satellite orbiting above the Pacific Ocean at a speed in excess of 17,000 mph has been intercepted by an SM-3 missile launched by the US Navy Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Lake Erie.

Despite concerns voiced by China and Russia, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates authorised the firing of a single missile in an attempt to destroy a tank of toxic fuel on board the satellite.

The ballistic missile defence weapon, fitted with a kinetic energy warhead and modified specifically for this mission, struck the satellite at an altitude of 133 n miles at 2226 h Eastern Standard Time on 20 February.

The Pentagon said in a statement that the intercept of "a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office [NRO] satellite which was in its final orbits before entering the earth's atmosphere" had been confirmed by a network of land-, air-, sea- and spaced-based sensors.

"The objective was to rupture the fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 1,000 lb [450 kg] of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could be harmful, before it entered the earth's atmosphere. Confirmation that the fuel tank has been fragmented should be available within 24 hours," the statement said.

Image: USS Lake Erie launches the SM-3 on 20 February 2008. (US Navy) 193 of 385 words