Technology Fails.. Satellite to hit North America

Technology doesn't always work as was the case with the spy satellite, US 193, launched in December 2006.  It immediately lost power and now cannot be controlled.  It carried a sophisticated and secret imaging sensor but the satellite's central computer failed shortly after launch.  The U.S. military is developing plans to deal with the possibility that the satellite, expected to fall to Earth in late February or early March, could hit North America.  The satellite includes some small engines that contain a toxic chemical - hydrazine (rocket fuel).  However, an official said they are not large booster engines with substantial amounts of fuel.  "Where the satellite lands will be difficult to predict until it falls to about 59 miles above Earth and enters the atmosphere.  It will then begin to burn up and be visible from the ground," said Ted Molczan, a Canadian satellite tracker.  "From then on," he said, "it will take about 30 minutes to fall."

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http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/29/dead.satellite.ap/index.html