United States destroys falling satellite to prevent risk of injury on earth.

AuthorCrook, John R.

In February 2008, a modified anti-missile missile launched from a U.S. Navy ship was used to destroy a school bus-sized U.S. intelligence satellite before it fell to earth from a decaying orbit. The satellite, which failed to go into orbit properly when launched in December 2006, carried a full load of toxic hydrazine fuel. The intercepting missile hit the satellite as it traveled at 17,000 miles an hour approximately 133 nautical miles above the Earth. (1) The fuel tank was ruptured, and the hydrazine dissipated into space. (2)

The United States is party to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (3) and to the 1972 Space Liability Convention. (4) Under Article II of the Liability Convention, "A launching State shall be absolutely liable to pay compensation for damage caused by its space object on the surface of the earth or to aircraft in flight." Although U.S. public statements regarding destruction of the satellite did not cite U.S. treaty obligations, they emphasized the potential risks to persons from the satellite's uncontrolled return to earth.

A Department of Defense news release explained the circumstances leading to the interception:

An uncontrollable U.S. experimental satellite which was launched in December 2006 is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere between the end of February and early March. Because the satellite was never operational, analysis indicate that approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kgs) of satellite mass will survive reentry, including 1,000 pounds (453 kgs) of propellant fuel (hydrazine), a hazardous material. Although the chances of an impact in a populated area are small, the potential consequences would be of enough concern to consider mitigating actions. Therefore, the President has decided to take action to mitigate the risk to human lives by engaging the non-functioning satellite. Because our missile defense system is not designed to engage satellites, extraordinary measures have been taken to temporarily modify three sea-based tactical missiles and three ships to carry out the engagement. Contact with hydrazine is hazardous. Direct contact with skin or eyes, ingestion or inhalations from hydrazine released from the tank upon impact could result in immediate danger. If this operation is successful, the hydrazine will then no longer pose a risk to humans. The U.S. government has been and continues to track and monitor this satellite. Various government agencies are planning for the reentry of the satellite. In the...

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