Satellite Debris Analysis Indicates Hydrazine Tank Hit (Forwarded)
- From: Andrew Yee <ayee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:53:06 -0500
Public Affairs
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense
Washington, D.C.
Media contact:
+1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2008
No. 0146-08
Satellite Debris Analysis Indicates Hydrazine Tank Hit
The Department of Defense announced today that based on debris analysis,
officials are confident the missile intercept and destruction of a
non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite, achieved the
objective of destroying the hydrazine tank and reducing, if not eliminating,
the risk to people on Earth from the hazardous chemical.
"By all accounts this was a successful mission. From the debris analysis, we
have a high degree of confidence the satellite's fuel tank was destroyed and
the hydrazine has been dissipated," said Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"The successful satellite engagement was truly a collaborative effort from
across the U.S. government, the armed forces, industry and academia working
together to reduce the risk to human life, said Cartwright.
"The teamwork and interagency accomplishment associated with this operation
was tremendous, said Cartwright. "Close workings with the National Security
Council, State Department, Defense Department, NASA, Missile Defense Agency,
National Reconnaissance Office, and Department of Homeland Security was
absolutely key to the effort. The U.S. Navy, particularly the Pacific Fleet,
was fundamental to the operation and did a superb job. The expertise of
people from the U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Space Command and Army
Strategic Command was invaluable."
A single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), fired from the USS
Lake Erie was used to engage the satellite. The remaining two modified
missiles will be configured back to their original status as tactical
missiles and the operational computer software programs aboard the Aegis
ships will be re-installed.
The Joint Functional Component Command for Space Joint Space Operations
Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., is tracking less than 3,000
pieces of debris, all smaller than a football. The vast majority of debris
has already reentered or will shortly reenter the Earth's atmosphere in the
coming days and weeks. To date, there have been no reports of debris landing
on Earth and it is unlikely any will remain intact to impact the ground.
U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance sensors continue to track and
characterize the debris to ensure timely notifications are made, if
necessary, with regards to ground or on-orbit debris-related risk.
.
- Prev by Date: Launch Result of the KIZUNA (WINDS) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) (Forwarded)
- Next by Date: Space Calendar - February 25, 2008
- Previous by thread: Launch Result of the KIZUNA (WINDS) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) (Forwarded)
- Next by thread: Space Calendar - February 25, 2008
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
