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A malfunctioning satellite was hit by a missile and most likely the fuel
tank containing 1000 kg (or what it 1000 lbs?) of hydrazine was punctured. Thus a large amount of hydrazine, a dangerous reactive chemical, was released into the upper atmosphere. What is the impact of dumping this toxin into the atmosphere? How stable is this chemical? Will it remain intact eventually being inhaled or ingested? Will it react with oxygen and water vapor reducing it to harmless compounds or less toxic compounds? Will it react with ozone, destroying amounts of ozone? Just what will it do? Please, reply only if you actually know the chemical properties of hydrazine. -- The following report has been abridged. From: Andrew Yee Newsgroups: sci.space.news Followup-To: sci.space.policy Subject: Satellite Debris Analysis Indicates Hydrazine Tank Hit (Forwarded) "By all accounts this was a successful mission. From the debris analysis, we have a high degree of confidence the satellite's fuel tank was destroyed and the hydrazine has been dissipated," said Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "The successful satellite engagement was truly a collaborative effort from across the U.S. government, the armed forces, industry and academia working together to reduce the risk to human life, said Cartwright. A single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), fired from the USS Lake Erie was used to engage the satellite. The remaining two modified missiles will be configured back to their original status as tactical missiles and the operational computer software programs aboard the Aegis ships will be re-installed. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., is tracking less than 3,000 pieces of debris, all smaller than a football. The vast majority of debris has already reentered or will shortly reenter the Earth's atmosphere in the coming days and weeks. To date, there have been no reports of debris landing on Earth and it is unlikely any will remain intact to impact the ground. U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance sensors continue to track and characterize the debris to ensure timely notifications are made, if necessary, with regards to ground or on-orbit debris-related risk. ---- |
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