Posted on 02/20/2008 7:51:05 PM PST by TexasBeth
Edited on 02/20/2008 8:10:37 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
WASHINGTON (AP) - A missile launched from a Navy ship successfully struck a dying U.S. spy satellite passing 130 miles over the Pacific on Wednesday, a defense official said. Full details were not immediately available.
It happened just after 10:30 p.m. EST.
Two officials said the missile was launched successfully. One official, who is close to the process, said it hit the target. He said details on the results were not immediately known.
The goal in this first-of-its-kind mission for the Navy was not just to hit the satellite but to obliterate a tank aboard the spacecraft carrying 1,000 pounds of a toxic fuel called hydrazine.
U.S. officials have said the fuel would pose a potential health hazard to humans if it landed in a populated area. Although the odds of that were small even if the Pentagon had chosen not to try to shoot down the satellite, it was determined that it was worth trying to eliminate even that small chance.
Officials said it might take a day or longer to know for sure if the toxic fuel was blown up......"
This will one day be known as “the shot heard ‘round the world” when we eventually have a space-based war.
Congratulations to Ronald Reagan, whose leftist critics sneered at the idea that this could ever happen.
The Gipper ALWAYS has the last laugh.
And so I say hey man, Nice Shot. Such a good shot, man.
Now, paint a satellite icon on the bridge or tower of that ship!
YES! Star Wars DEFENSE finally in action! This one’s for you Mr. Reagan! WE’RE NUMBER 1! WE’RE NUMBER 1! I hope Putin goes and sucks on an egg, the commie...
ROTFLMPO! Doug, that is outrageous!
Beautiful, a Babe Ruth shot, and thanks Ronaldus Magnus.
Y’all watching the eclipse? We have too much cloud cover here.
I can’t watch the news. My satellite TV just went out.
On the way home I pulled off US 64 to watch it for a while. So cool!
bttt
Cuba! < /moonbat>
two words: BOO YAH!
I wonder if it was a direct hit or a proximity burst, and what type of explosive was used. Anybody here an expert on this type of ordnance?
Credit is due not only the U.S. Navy, but the Missile Defense Agency, which features collaboration of multiple branches of military service, as well as a dedicated civilian workforce. This one is very much a team success!
LOL ROFLMAO
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.