Defunct U.S. Spy Satellite Falling From Orbit

The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer, or EUVE which fell from orbit on Jan. 30. 2002
A defunct U.S. spy satellite is falling from orbit and could hit the Earth in late February or March, agencies reports said Saturday.

"Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation," Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the National Security Council, told reporters.

"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," he said.

The satellite, which has lost power and propulsion, could contain hazardous materials, U.S. government officials said. Because the satellite could not be controlled any longer, it is unknown where the Earth it might hit, the officials said.

Asked whether it is possible to intercept the falling satellite with missiles before it hits the Earth, spokesman Johndroe refused to comment.

In 1979, Skylab, a 78-ton abandoned NASA space station fell from orbit in an uncontrolled manner. Its debris eventually dropped into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia harmlessly. (Xinhua)

***** Let's hope it drops into one of the oceans far, far away from any inhabited area. It would be a terrible catastrophe if the satellite were to fall onto a city or any other densely populated zone.
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