[FPSPACE] FW: Satellite Debris Analysis Indicates Hydrazine Tank Hit

[LARRY KLAES]

>From: DoD News <dodnews at subscriptions.dod.mil>
>To: ljk4 at msn.com
>Subject: Satellite Debris Analysis Indicates Hydrazine Tank Hit
>Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:42:04 -0600 (CST)
>
>Satellite Debris Analysis Indicates Hydrazine Tank Hit [ 
>http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11709 ]
>"Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:13:00 -0600"
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>*IMMEDIATE RELEASE* *No. 0146-08
>February 25, 2008*
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>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.
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>
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