...The US Plans to Shoot Down Spy Satellite

In a press release late yesterday George W. Bush has given the OK to bring the Spy Satellite back to earth in many pieces VIA missile. The missile will be launched from a US Navy cruiser off Hawaii as early as next week. The US has decided to take this route as the satellite contains a toxic fuel called Hydrazine which is potentially hazardous to the general public if inhaled or contacted. While this is what the US claims is it's main priority, in reality, the satellite contains sensitive imaging electronics that the US does not want to fall into the wrong possession.

This is the first time the US will try to shoot down a space vessel with a SAM (Surface to Air Missile)

Last year China brought down its own weather satellite with a similar type missile. The US Government criticized China for this act as it was widely thought that this type of action is a step in the direction of the militarization of space.

As this is my blog, here's my 2 cents. Just a classic example of the hypocritical US Government. Looks to me as if the US Government wants to be on the same level with China as they themselves have yet to shoot down a space craft while China is ahead of the game.

CHINA: 1
US: Nil (for the time being)

...On Feb 5th There Will be A Lunar Eclipse

Mark this down on your calendars, total eclipse of the moon. Watch for the change in colors as the earth's shadow casts over the moon. Next schedule eclipse is December 2010.

Estimated times for the event are:

New FL.~ 11:30 p.m. - 12:21 a.m.

Atlantic ~ 11:00 - 11:51 p.m.
Eastern ~ 10:00 - 10:51 p.m.
Central ~ 9:00 - 9:51 p.m.
Mountain ~ 8:00 - 8:51 p.m.
Pacific ~ 7:00 - 7:51 p.m.

If anyone is interested in streaming the eclipse live over web cam, let me know and perhaps we can broadcast it live from this blog for all those who are unable to see it!

Click here to see your locations 'lunar eclipse' exposure!

... The Altlantis Space Shuttle Launched Successfully

As of 2:45 pm ET Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully launched en route to the International Space Station. On the right side of this blog I have added an RSS news feed to allow everyone to monitor the missions progress or click here.

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches TODAY!!!

Now this is exciting and very fitting for this Blog. After two un-successful launches and a delay of two months, the Space Shuttle Atlantis and its crew is set to launch TODAY!!! Check the link for live coverage of the launch.

With this being said, the weather isn't looking ideal so this mission may be delayed yet again but with any luck, we can all watch it live over the internet, just click on the link above or click here.

Atlantis will be adding 'Columbus', a 2 Billion dollar high tech science laboratory, to the International Space Station. In addition, Columbus will be dropping off an new resident at the station. Very exciting... if they launch.

For an update on the weather at Cape Canaveral click here!

... A US Top Secret Spy Satelite, 'US 193' Will Slam Into Earth In Late February to Early March

This one is on my Calendar for late February to early March: Information is vague about this event, which can be expected as we are dealing with a US Secret Spy Satellite. It seems this Satellite, referred to as "US 193," lost power and never reached its final orbit. The Pentagon then proceeded to declare the vastly expensive 4 tonne piece of cutting edge technology a total loss. When it does finally come back to Earth experts estimate its landing area to be somewhere in North America.

I managed to locate an amateur Satellite Trackers predictions on its final trajectory, check it below.

With any luck we'll catch a glimpse of this multi billion dollar piece of equipment entering the Earth's atmosphere. I hope it lands in my back yard, if not, I'll give anyone $150 for it!