February 15, 2008
Taking Out the Trash

This looks like fun: US to Try to Shoot Down Spy Satellite

Known by its military designation US 193, the satellite was launched in December 2006. It lost power and its central computer failed almost immediately afterward, leaving it uncontrollable. It carried a sophisticated and secret imaging sensor.

Software associated with the Standard Missile 3 has been modified to enhance the chances of the missile's sensors recognizing that the satellite is its target. The missile's designed mission is to shoot down ballistic missiles, not satellites. Other officials said the missile's maximum range, while a classified figure, is not great enough to hit a satellite operating in normal orbits.

"It's a one-time deal," Cartwright said when asked whether the modified Standard Missile 3 should be considered a new U.S. anti-satellite technology.

He said that if an initial shoot-down attempt fails, the military would have about two days to reassess and decide whether to take a second shot.

Beyond the novelty factor, I for one am not going to get worked up about this. Indeed, it makes sense to me to break up large space structures immediately prior to reentry to reduce the risk of large pieces of debris hitting land (and in this case, debris containing recoverable classified technology, which is probably the real reason for shooting at it). So long as they're careful not to create new, long-lived orbital debris like the Chinese ASAT test last year did, and they seem to be working to avoid that.

As I recall, this isn't really a new capability for the U.S. -- while it uses a different missile in this case, back in the 1980s there was an ASAT test involving a missile fired from an aircraft as part of Star Wars R&D (no time right now to look up the details).

If nothing else, though, it will give the Archdruid something fresh and new to get exercised about, which ought to be entertaining. Especially when compared to how little attention he paid to the Chinese test.

UPDATE: Right on cue...

It is clear to me that the Pentagon is using the falling satellite as an excuse to test anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons in order to perfect the technology that would give the U.S. the ability to knock out other countries satellites. The military has been itching for a long time for a good excuse to field test ASAT technology. They are using this incident as an excuse to put into the public's mind that space weapons will be used to "protect" us. In fact these are offensive systems, part of the overall U.S. first-strike attack program now under development.

Posted by T.L. James on February 15, 2008 08:09 AM | TrackBack

Comments

Do you suppose there are any active brain cells capable of rational thought in Bruce's head? 'A first strike attack program'??? He really does live in another reality. I also liked his comment at the end of the post about the satellite having a nuclear power source. Can't post a rant like that with out mentioning his other bugaboo.

Where do these people learn to hate their own country so badly?



Posted by: Greg at February 17, 2008 11:21 PM

It is the externalization or projection of their hatred for themselves. Read Hoffer's "The True Believer", and then read Bruce's tedious autohagiography/moonbat motivational, "Come Together Right Now", and you'll see this very clearly.



Posted by: T.L. James at February 18, 2008 09:20 PM

This a a strategic test, if its successfull it will make a difference at the diplomatic table with the likes of Iran, N Korea; the Russians and Chinese. If it fails it will have the opposite effect.



Posted by: R Woodz at February 18, 2008 10:52 PM

Amazing--or perhaps not--that the Chinese had the nerve to criticize this exercise. Ours was 130 miles up and about to re-enter the atmosphere, whereas the one they shot down last year was 500 miles up and left debris that was much more significant and long-lived. Perhaps less amazing that criticism of our exercise from the likes of Bruce was much more vocal than that of the Chinese effort.

How soon until the Ruskies announce that they will be shooting one down? Or will they wait until afterwards and only announce it if it is successful? I suppose it's prudent to provide advance notification when you're going to fire a long-range missile, regardless of the target.



Posted by: Aaron_J at February 23, 2008 02:11 PM

Amazing--or perhaps not--that the Chinese had the nerve to criticize this exercise. Ours was 130 miles up and about to re-enter the atmosphere, whereas the one they shot down last year was 500 miles up and left debris that was much more significant and long-lived. Perhaps less amazing that criticism of our exercise from the likes of Bruce was much more vocal than that of the Chinese effort.

How soon until the Ruskies announce that they will be shooting one down? Or will they wait until afterwards and only announce it if it is successful? I suppose it's prudent to provide advance notification when you're going to fire a long-range missile, regardless of the target.



Posted by: Aaron_J at February 23, 2008 02:11 PM