Satellite debris concerns delay rocket launch

Satellite debris concerns delay rocket launch
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Feb 28, 2008 13:40:45 EST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The launch of a rocket carrying a secret payload has been postponed for two weeks to avoid possible space debris from the destruction of a spy satellite earlier last week.

The Atlas V rocket was supposed to blast off Friday from Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

But a launch hot line recording from the maker of the rocket said the launch won’t occur until sometime in March. The recording said the delay was “a precautionary measure” to avoid possible space debris.

The Pentagon last week successfully shot down a dying, bus-size spy satellite loaded with toxic fuel using a missile launched from a cruiser in the Pacific.

A message to the National Reconnaissance Office was not immediately returned.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_satellitedebrisdelayslaunch_022808/



uhc comment: But. But. But. I thought everything would fall to Earth immediately and we would all be safe. :shrug: