In what some counties call an attempt to progress US research into shooting down other nations satellites, Thursday the US Navy has been given the green light by President Bush to try and destroy a US satellite in space because it's poisonous cargo could hit a populated area later this spring. I was listening to news reports today about how the US Navy intends to shoot down this crippled satellite and it is amazing that the use of brute force and not an explosion will supposedly do the trick and explode this satellite in space rather than it's cargo surviving a reentry to the Earth.
When objects are in Earth's orbit they travel at a tremendous rate of speed. By having an ocean based missile fired at this disabled satellite at just the right time and trajectory, the US Navy will be trying to hit a bullet with a bullet in space. Of course, the US Navy and other branches of the military have already used the same type of technology to shoot down incoming test missiles in what was once referred to as the Ronald Reagan 'Star Wars' program. Without huge advances in imaging and computer technology, such a satellite shoot down would be impossible to conduct successfully.
I have not heard what odds the US Navy is giving to it's missile that will be fired at this disabled satellite on Thursday, but I think the powers that be at the Pentagon seem pretty optimist that their satellite shoot down will turn out to be successful. Of course, nations like Russia and China are totally against the US military shooting down one of our own satellites because they rightly know that the US will gain valuable knowledge from this missile test whether it is ultimately successful or not. In a way, the US military is taking a lemon of a satellite and turning it into lemonade with this test missile firing.
A few hours after the US Navy launches it's missile from the northern Pacific Ocean on Thursday, the Pentagon will know if this operation was a success or not. As an older man that grew up during the hay days of 'Star Trek' back in the 1960's, this type of military operation is very interesting to me and I hope at the end of the day the US Navy is able to successfully destroy this broken satellite. The rapid advancement of computer technology is making it possible for people to do things that seemed out of reach just a few short years ago.
From the information I have been able to learn via the Internet, if Thursday's missile test is a failure, the Navy could possibly have at least two other shots at the apple before mother nature brings this huge satellite back down to Earth in a blaze of glory.
Read more about Space Exploration:
Space Shuttle Launch On Beautiful Florida Day
Endeavour Trying To Beat Dean Home
Endeavour Contractors Can Decent Majority View
Endeavour Astronauts Space Walk Again Today
Space Shuttle Endeavour Could Return Early
February 19, 2008 Archives
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Satellite Shoot Down, US Navy Tries Thursday
Wisconsin/Hawaii Victories Increase Obama's Momentum
Senator Barack Obama is expected to win democratic contests tonight in both Wisconsin and Hawaii, which will propel his ever increasing momentum toward winning the democratic nomination for President. Out of nowhere and much to the surprise of almost everyone, Barack Obama has taken the country by storm as average Americans look for change at the highest level of the government. No one is more surprised with the rise in popularity of Barack Obama than Hillary Clinton. For almost two years, a Hillary Clinton victory in the democratic primaries was considered almost a for gone conclusion.
It is so refreshing to see political pundits and TV talking heads be proven wrong when in comes to the 2008 presidential primaries. Like everyone else, I have grow tired of listening to these political partisans as they try and change my view of the world with talking points that are designed to funnel my vote to one candidate or the other. This year, the American people are doing something that most political professionals never thought possible. In 2008, the American people are engaged in the democratic contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and these same people are listening to both candidates and making up their own mind on which one to support.
It appears all but certain that Barack Obama will win both Wisconsin and Hawaii tonight. Most polls give Hillary Clinton little chance to win any state primaries until the first week of March when Texas and Ohio vote. Here in Texas we are starting to see daily commercials for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama running on television. In fact, yesterday alone I saw at least four television commercials for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Some Clinton supporters consider Texas and Ohio a firewall for Hillary. However, in reality that thinking has changed in recent weeks so much so that both Texas and Ohio are now 'must win' states for Hillary Clinton or she is most likely finished in her run for the democratic nomination.
Like most other Americans, I have been engaged in the political debate this year between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Senator Obama's message of change has struck a cord with millions of Americans as he lays out his vision for a better world. Not since the days of JFK and RFK have I seen the American people so eager for change.
Read more about 2008 Elections:
Congressman Chet Edwards Endorses Obama For President
Michigan/Florida Caucus Likely To Seat Delegates
Will Superdelegates Decide The Democratic Nomination?
Voters Want Change, Not Experience In 2008
GOP Tax Cuts Fail To Rally Base
