The Navy says they have hit a disabled spy satellite, now local governments are preparing for potential debris.
The USS Lake Erie, armed with an SM-3 missile designed to knock down incoming missiles — not orbiting satellites — launched the attack at 10:26 p.m. ET (0326 GMT Thursday), according to the Pentagon. It hit the satellite as the spacecraft traveled at more than 17,000 mph (27,000 kilometers per hour).Gee. Ya think?
Because the satellite was orbiting at a relatively low altitude at the time it was hit by the missile, debris will begin to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere immediately, a Pentagon statement said.
The elaborate intercept may trigger worries from some international leaders, who could see it as a thinly disguised attempt to test an anti-satellite weapon — one that could take out other nation’s orbiting communications and spy spacecraft.
Bonus round: To what extent did billyboys secret missile sheenanigans with the chi-coms play out in this scenario and how badly did sandy 'pants' berger's larceny contribute to it?
