Falling satellite revives concerns over proliferation of 'space junk'

[babylonsister]

Falling satellite revives concerns over proliferation of 'space junk'
By Dave Montgomery | McClatchy Newspapers

* Posted on Monday, February 18, 2008



WASHINGTON — A lifeless satellite targeted for destruction by the United States has raised new concerns about the vast array of space debris — ranging from old rocket bodies to abandoned astronaut tools — that hurtle though the skies at thousands of miles an hour.

Since the Soviets launched Sputnik as the first satellite on Oct. 4, 1957, space has evolved into a cosmic junkyard. The Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., is now tracking more than 18,000 manmade objects, including an estimated 850 functioning satellites, the international space station and debris from rocket launches dating to the dawn of the space era.

That tally reflects a 30 percent increase in the last 13 months, in large part because of debris created after the Chinese destroyed one of their satellites with a missile in 2007, said the center's director, Col. Stephen Whiting.

"At the speed with which debris orbits around the Earth, if two pieces were to hit each other, that would be a very catastrophic event," Whiting said.

President Bush has ordered the Navy to try to bring down the disabled spy satellite, which lost control after its computer failed almost immediately after its launch in 2006. Bush took the unprecedented decision out of fear that 1,000 pounds of highly toxic satellite fuel could endanger populous areas, military officials said.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/27843.html

[bdamomma]

1. someone has to stop this idea from being implemented.

* is the one who gave the order. this does not sound good at all to me.

China is not to happy with this either.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK34231620080217?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

just a snip:

China is concerned by U.S. plans to shoot down an ailing spy satellite and is considering what "preventative measures" to take, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

"The Chinese government is paying close attention to how the situation develops and demands the U.S. side fulfill its international obligations and avoids causing damage to security in outer space and of other countries," spokesman Liu

[bdamomma]

2. kick