Will satellites or telescopes be able to watch the navy missile strike the spy satellite?
I wonder if earth based telescopes or orbiting satellites such as Hubble will be able to observe the navy’s attempt to shoot down the disabled U.S. spy satellite. That would very interesting to see footage of.
Hubble will not be able to watch the attack upon the crippled spy satellite, but the U.S military has had telescopes for decades that can observe satellites and other objects in space. Moreover, there has been programs to develop anti-ballistic missiles and live tests have been conducted over the Pacific ocean. Telescopes have been able to follow both the interceptor and the target vehicle until they collided and destroyed each other. If they shoot the satellite down while over territory where a space surveillance telescope can observe the attack, we will probably see footage on the evening news. Successful destruction of this crippled spy satellite would demonstrate not only to the American public but to potential adversaries as well that the U.S. can destroy a satellite in space in wartime. As a bonus, the debris will re-enter the atmosphere in a matter of weeks and will pose no threat to other satellites, the Space Shuttle or the International Space Station.
The Hubble could not focus on something that close. The Navy will have tracking systems with camera’s attached – all you will be likely to see is a propellant trail and a flash when the missile’s warhead goes off.
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that is gonna be so awesome!! (makes cool space-crash sound effects)
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They *might* be able to film the impact, if it occurs during the night, otherwise only radar tracking would likely be able to note the event. Hubble is pointing outward and would not be utilized for such a purpose, as it would be very difficult.
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Hubble will not be able to watch the attack upon the crippled spy satellite, but the U.S military has had telescopes for decades that can observe satellites and other objects in space. Moreover, there has been programs to develop anti-ballistic missiles and live tests have been conducted over the Pacific ocean. Telescopes have been able to follow both the interceptor and the target vehicle until they collided and destroyed each other. If they shoot the satellite down while over territory where a space surveillance telescope can observe the attack, we will probably see footage on the evening news. Successful destruction of this crippled spy satellite would demonstrate not only to the American public but to potential adversaries as well that the U.S. can destroy a satellite in space in wartime. As a bonus, the debris will re-enter the atmosphere in a matter of weeks and will pose no threat to other satellites, the Space Shuttle or the International Space Station.
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