They are doing the responsible thing. The satellite failed almost directly after launch, with a non working propulsion system, they knew sooner or later it would de-orbit, it was just a matter of where.

After running the numbers they found chances were pretty good that it would hit land and were worried about the fuel tanks hurting people, so they decided that they would try and soot it out of the sky. Hell, they are timing it so that they have time for two tries to shoot it.

It seems like the more responsible decision to me.

 

Yeah, srsly folks cut the near-political "America effed this up" crap. My dad served in Space Command for 27 years, I'm pretty sure they've got the tech to handle this situation.
Hell, let's scramble an Airborne Laser just for the fuck of it.
DN

 

I think this just proves beyond a shadow of a doubt

Little boys don't really grow up, they just play with bigger toys

Also, it's not the first time we shot something out of space apparently, we've had this tech for 20+ years.

 

Your dad may have served in the space command but you still can’t spell properly.

Seriously I think the only useful thing about the American space program is communication satellites’, anything else is a waste of time, money, and manpower.
Especially in light of all the problems facing the world.

 

The grammar police comments are not needed or appreciated here or anywhere else on the boards.

Also, let's avoid any political discussion here. Political discussion is not permitted outside the N&R forum.

 

Eh, he's just a patriotic Canadian. Ya know, a country with no direct space program of its own.  

I still think they need to calculate and measure the possible damage to the ocean's ecology as a result of the fuel. It could still impact people, depending on if any remains survive re-entry.

All I ask for is for them to get it on video of the satellite's destruction and re-entry.  

 

I hop we blow up tat satelight real good like. we can do it! just no it!

 

The military reports that it did hit the satellite, but no conformation on the gas tank yet.

 

WOOT!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23265613/

 

Bring on the aliens! Im sure they were watching...Totatally serious bout that.

 

Well... Let's have confidence...

 

And it's down!

Nicely done, squids.

 

"we must stick together comrad, as the amaricans say,through thick and thin"!

nice.

 

We're saved! Thank the Maker.

 

they shoulda put a cam on the warhead or summat, that woulda been fun.

 

That would have been awesome!

Hey, lets take out some trash and shoot down some more satelites, you know for shits and giggles. Lets clear out some orbital real-estate.

 

Weird coincidence that it happened the night of the eclipse.

I hope this isn't some kind of cover up and they actually shot down some ancient alien godship that was destined to return during the eclipse and enlighten the human race, because that would suck.

Damn government stealing my enlightenment.