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The bus sized satellite can no longer be controlled may contain hazardous materials. Numerous satellites in the past have fallen out of orbit and have crashed harmlessly. In 1979 Skylab a 78 ton space laboratory fell from orbit and mainly fell into the Indian Ocean and Australia. In 2002 parts of a science satellite fell into the Persian Gulf, it is not known at this time where this satellite may strike.
The National Security Agency refused to comment if a missile may be used to destroy the satellite. China recently conducted such an operation to test a space missile system but other satellites had to be maneuvered into new orbits to avoid being hit by debris.
Observer Guardian Unlimited, Sunday Edition, January 27, 2008