Spy Chief Scraps Satellite Program

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

Spy chief Mike McConnell has junked a multibillion-dollar spy satellite program that engineers hoped would someday pass undetected through the space above other nations.

The move from the director of national intelligence comes after several years of congressional efforts to kill the program, known publicly as the next generation of "Misty" satellites. The new satellite was to be a stealthy intelligence spacecraft designed to take pictures of adversaries and avoid detection.

Little is known about the nation's classified network of satellites, which represent some of the most expensive government programs and receive almost no public oversight. Because of their multibillion-dollar price tags, sensitive missions and lengthy development schedules, spy agencies go to great pains to keep details from becoming public.

McConnell gave no reason for his recent decision. Despite the program's secrecy, he almost dared further inquiry into it.

Speaking Tuesday to an intelligence conference on workplace diversity, McConnell changed the subject and ended his speech by saying: "I have been advised when I was getting ready for this job, you have to do two things: kill a multibillion-dollar program. Just did that. Word is not out yet. You'll see soon.


Read more: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/21/national/w132025D93.DTL

[Up2Late]

1. I wonder if this has anything to do with this decision?

<http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/nro06157.xml&headline=NRO%20Spacecraft%20In%20Wrong%20Orbit>

NRO Spacecraft In Wrong Orbit

Jun 15, 2007

Craig Covault/Aviation Week & Space Technology

Two top secret National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) ocean surveillance spacecraft were fired into the wrong orbit June 15 when the 200-foot-tall Atlas V rocket they were riding on stopped firing too early in space following launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The top secret satellites separated safely from the malfunctioning booster, however, and have enough rocket propellant to continue their mission, an official said on background.

The U.S. Air Force, which managed the Atlas V launch, and the NRO have begun an official investigation into the launch and malfunction. The $83 million Atlas V used in the launch is a model 401 with no solid rocket boosters.

"The Atlas V people have a lot of explaining to do," the official said on background. The flight was the first NRO secret mission for the new Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.

(more at link) <http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/nro06157.xml&headline=NRO%20Spacecraft%20In%20Wrong%20Orbit>