US spy satellite heading for Earth

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 28 Jan 2008 at 08:05

A spy satellite has lost power and will crash to Earth in late February or early March, says the US government.

"Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation. Numerous satellites over the years have come out of orbit and fallen harmlessly. We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause," says Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council, in the New York Times.

Although no details have been given on the type of satellite, some sources claim that it is an experimental craft that the government lost communications with shortly after its launch in 2006.

If this is the case, then much of its dangerous hydrazine fuel could still be on board when it re-enters the atmosphere.