A satellite the size of a minivan is slotted to begin its descent through Earth’s atmosphere, potentially rupturing a 1,000 pound tank of the rocket fuel hydrazine. That could create a toxic cloud over human populated areas. But, the Pentagon has plans to intercept the satellite with SM-3 missiles.

The Pentagon just announced a plan to “shoot down a disabled U.S. spy satellite before it enters the atmosphere to prevent a potentially deadly leak of toxic gas from the vehicle’s fuel tank,” according to Reuters.

Interestingly the plan appears to have strong backing from the White House but “two defense officials [cited] disagreement within the administration over the action . . .”

The officials weren’t clear, however, on what specific risks blasting the satellite with SM-3 missiles would engender. “The Pentagon hopes to strike the satellite just before it reaches the atmosphere and drive it into ocean waters. Officials would not estimate the likelihood of success, only calling it high.”

The hydrazine contained in the satellite’s tank is used as rocket fuel, in some fuel cells and “is used in many processes including: production of spandex fibers, as a polymerization catalyst; a blowing agent; in fuel cells, solder fluxes; and photographic developers, as a chain extender in urethane polymerizations, and heat stabilizers,” according to Wikipedia.

SM-3 missiles were successfully employed by China in 2007 against a ballistic missile aboard the JDS Kongo.

This is one example of how untended technology can backfire without human intervention. As we continue to move toward more automation and artificial intelligence this sort of incident has the potential to become more frequent without the creation of proper safeguards.

Related:

Entry was posted on Thursday, February 14th, 2008 at 6:31 pm under Science and technology, Security.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
Stumble It!