Posted on 01/26/2008 1:03:46 PM PST by HAL9000
WASHINGTON (AP) — A large U.S. spy satellite has lost power and propulsion and could hit the Earth in late February or March, government officials said Saturday.The satellite, which no longer be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.google.com ...
A KH-11?
Somebody refresh my memory about what the word "secret" means...
“The satellite, which no longer be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret.”
Secret eh, so why in hades are they talking about it.
Thanks AP. Loose lips and all. .. . . .
I used to mean that if you talked about it you would go to jail. I distinctly remember signing statements that I understood the possible repercussions of unauthorized disclosure.
Guess now it means leak it to the press if it will make the US look bad.
Isn't that multicultural - AP writes in Ebonics...
low level employees who are privy to this stuff like to play james bond and have secret meetings with reporters. the only way to stop it is to surveil everyone. but the ACLU might have a problem with that.
Yep jail time for the numb nut who released the info.
In this case, the secret classification has been superseded by reality since it is probably plain to anybody that cares that the satellite is defunct and falling from orbit. Further, the "secret" will really be out of the bag when it comes flaming across the sky into, hopefully, some out of the way place in the middle of nowhere.
Because by international treaties signed by the US, the country that launches it’s space hardware must take responsibility for that hardware until it is de-orbited. Because the spacecraft is out of control the US must acknowledge this fact. But I will tell you that they can predict relatively certainly where, when and how it will come down.
You just haven't been paying enough attention.
The official definition of SECRET means that you have to have a security clearance to read SECRET documents but you are allowed to print them if you have a New York Times employee badge.
Wow! One of these would make a great addition to my curios shelf.
It means "For immediate release to The New York Times".
Jack Anderson, a reporter for the Washington Post used to release all levels of classified data for defunct and on-going projects.
Seems like these things should be required to have a “I’m dying!” signal and then a guidance system to at least make sure it crashes in the ocean....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.