Posted on Mar 2, 2015
Cpl Software Engineer
4.05K
3
2
1
1
0
US military satellite explodes above Earth

"A US military satellite exploded after detecting an unexplained “sudden spike in temperature”, sending dozens of chunks of debris tumbling into different orbits around Earth."

Regarding "sudden pike in temperature;" thoughts?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/11444155/US-military-satellite-explodes-above-Earth.html
Posted in these groups: Us flag 48 stars.svg United States
Avatar feed
Responses: 1
CW5 Desk Officer
1
1
0
Interesting, Cpl (Join to see). Maybe it got old and overheated like a computer system or a car? It was about 50 years old. Or, are you hinting that maybe the Chinese or some other actor might have been practicing with some sort of anti-satellite weapon (on an old satellite that didn't matter any longer)? Or maybe even the USA? Wouldn't that be interesting?!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Cpl Software Engineer
Cpl (Join to see)
>1 y
I've worked on Computers for a while and although I've never seen one blow up, I can't be certain how one is built for space. I would also think that there wouldn't be a major need to cool CPUs due to extreme cold of the vacuum of space; providing it is shielded from direct sun exposure.

I will say that the "sudden spike in temperature" should be cause for alarm since "dozens of chunks of debris" tumbled into different orbits.

Usually, when they bring a satellite down they change it's course and allow it to fall into the ocean to prevent excess debris that could be hazardous to other satellites or passing astronauts. When I saw the article, another interesting factoid, I searched the major US news sites with no results found. I'll try again since i'm home.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close