I’ve wondered about why the U.S. is willing to destroy a malfunctioning satellite when reentry and a likely fall into the ocean would do the same and now I know. Turns out it is full of a lot of toxic fuel.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23172469/
On a distantly related note about space weaponry, here is an article that actually has some photos of the oft mentioned “http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23131359/” that flies on every mission.
Large explosions in space. Can they go wrong?
Well there is the problem of blasting a bunch of debris all over low earth orbit which may impact other craft before the stuff settles back down into a decaying orbit.
The Chinese news went ape foecal biscuits over this. Played the impact over and over for hours.
Looks like an impressive hit though, igniting all the fuel before dispersing the wreckage on the reentry track.
admit it if you had the oportunity to shoot down a satelite, wouldnt you?
I know I would