Spy Satellite to Hit Earth by late February to March |
Spy Satellite to Hit Earth by late February to March |
Guest_Bobby_* |
Jan 27 2008, 04:47 AM
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Guests |
Just read at MSNBC that a large U.S. spy satellite will hit Earth by the end of February or early March.
Better keep our hard hats ready??? Here is the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22857051/ |
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Feb 15 2008, 11:57 PM
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#2
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8784 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
I was thinking of something with a lower melting point than Ti that might have sufficient structural integrity; an alloy? If the tank is mounted on the exterior surface of the spacecraft, then it could get a favorable burnthrough at the right altitude. The main issue is getting the hazmat out of the tank well before it hits the ground.
One other idea is coating the exterior of the tank with something that might act as an accelerant during reentry to promote a burnthrough, sort of an anti-heat shield. One of the most formidable obstacles, though, remains finding a material that is both resistant to NH4 and light enough to be used for this application. Any metallurgists in the house? EDIT: CNN now reporting that the interception may cost as much as US$60 million; sounds like they're low-balling it to me, hopefully not. Lots of equipment modifications required per the article, lots of engineering support... -------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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