It sounds like science fiction, and it may just prove to be that.
Thursday, the Pentagon announced intentions to shoot down a disabled spy satellite before it tumbles to earth. It is the size of a bus, 130 miles away, and loaded with toxic
fuel.
University of Minnesota Aerospace Engineer Bill Garrard understands the challenge
of hitting a target moving 17,000 miles per hour. "The more you know about it, the more you're amazed that people are actually able to do it," says Doctor Garrard.
While the military says it's about toxic fuel and people below, published reports, especially overseas, suggest the U.S. wants to destroy secrets, and show-off to countries
like China. It recently took out a satellite.
"So it gives them the opportunity to try something that could relate to shooting down a missile. It could relate to shooting down a satellite. Satellites are very important to every military," says Doctor Garrard.
The first shot could come next week. A direct hit would keep the sky from falling.
(Copyright 2008 by KARE11. All Rights Reserved.)
