America Takes A Responsible Path in Space

Press Release

Last Wednesday night's successful intercept of a failed U.S. satellite by our military was not just a triumph for human safety by America's cutting-edge defense technology. It also sent a strong message to the world that we take seriously our role as a major player in space and that countries which aspire to grow their presence in space should also act responsibly.

At approximately 9:26pm Central Time on February 20, the USS Lake Erie fired a single modified tactical missile in an attempt to strike a failed American satellite approximately 133 nautical miles over the Pacific Ocean. The bus-sized satellite, which was tumbling as it streaked overhead at 17,000 miles an hour, was struck by the missile and the force of the impact destroyed the doomed spacecraft.

The 5,000 pound satellite was launched by the U.S. military on December 14, 2006. Unfortunately, communications were lost after it reached its orbital position. The satellite was effectively dead, and without control capability would have reentered the Earth's atmosphere early next month. It was also likely that about half of the satellite, some 2,800 pounds, including a 1,000 pound hydrazine fuel tank, would have survived reentry, striking the ground or sea.

While reentries of space debris are not uncommon, this instance was different since it presented a one-in-four chance that the failed satellite's hydrazine filled tank would have struck land. Hydrazine is toxic to humans and exhibits similar effects as chlorine and ammonia. Thus the potential risk to humans was deemed unacceptable and the decision was made to destroy the satellite and its hydrazine fuel tank before it could present any harm to people on the ground. Also, the small debris that could result from the explosion would soon burn up in the Earth's atmosphere - posing no danger to spacecraft or humans on the ground.

The U.S. Government gave advance notice of its plans to other countries and the news media. It is interesting to note that China, in particular, voiced concerns over the satellite shoot-down, complaining that it might present a danger to other countries.

As former Chairman and now Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, it is my responsibility to oversee America's military space programs and I am very proud of our men and women in uniform in their successful intercept of the failed U.S. satellite. At the same time, I am disappointed at the hypocrisy of the Chinese government which portrays itself as a nation interested in the peaceful use of space while its actions say otherwise.

Our February 20 satellite intercept was a far cry from the January 11, 2007, Chinese destruction of one of its own satellites high in Earth orbit. Unlike the U.S., China gave the world no warning of its intentions, and its actions - which were not prompted out of public safety - actually threaten U.S. and other countries' space missions from space debris. On top of all that, China has the nerve to demand that the U.S. share data from last week's satellite intercept with them. Yet, to my knowledge, Beijing has yet to share details of its January 11, 2007, anti-satellite test. China's action was seen as an aggressive one motivated by the desire to develop the capability to shoot down enemy satellites. Our action last week was driven by concern over public safety.

The United States continues to demonstrate the correct path for the use of space. It is hoped that China will learn to act more responsibly as it enters the realm of space flight and exploration.

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