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21/02/2008
'Star Wars' Missile Attack 'Successful'
There was relief all round last night with news that the US has successfully struck a disabled 'spy' satellite, hopefully destroying the rapidly 'decaying orbit' facility.
A missile was fired from a warship in waters west of Hawaii, military officials said, and although they had only a 10-second window to hit the satellite - called USA 193 - reports indicate a successful strike.
The USA 193 went out of control shortly after it was launched in December 2006.
Officials were worried its specialised hydrazine fuel could do harm, so the only problem that now remains is that it is not yet known yet if the fuel tank was destroyed.
The satellite - believed by some commentators to be a radar imaging reconnaissance satellite - was passing about 130 miles over the Pacific.
The military used a SM-3 missile fired from the cruiser USS Lake Erie, which is posted on the western side of Hawaii along with the destroyers USS Decatur and USS Russell.
On Thursday morning however, it was still not known how successful the overall operation was - as the missile needed to pierce the bus-sized satellite's fuel tank, containing more than 450kg of toxic hydrazine, which would otherwise be expected to survive re-entry.
The Pentagon said confirmation that the fuel tank has been hit should be available within 24 hours.
However, on Thursday, China called on the US to provide more information about the mission.
Russia also suspects the operation was a 'cover' operation to test anti-satellite technology under the US missile defence programme.
The US denies the operation was a response to an anti-satellite test carried out by China last year, which prompted fears of a space arms race.
(BMcC)
A missile was fired from a warship in waters west of Hawaii, military officials said, and although they had only a 10-second window to hit the satellite - called USA 193 - reports indicate a successful strike.
The USA 193 went out of control shortly after it was launched in December 2006.
Officials were worried its specialised hydrazine fuel could do harm, so the only problem that now remains is that it is not yet known yet if the fuel tank was destroyed.
The satellite - believed by some commentators to be a radar imaging reconnaissance satellite - was passing about 130 miles over the Pacific.
The military used a SM-3 missile fired from the cruiser USS Lake Erie, which is posted on the western side of Hawaii along with the destroyers USS Decatur and USS Russell.
On Thursday morning however, it was still not known how successful the overall operation was - as the missile needed to pierce the bus-sized satellite's fuel tank, containing more than 450kg of toxic hydrazine, which would otherwise be expected to survive re-entry.
The Pentagon said confirmation that the fuel tank has been hit should be available within 24 hours.
However, on Thursday, China called on the US to provide more information about the mission.
Russia also suspects the operation was a 'cover' operation to test anti-satellite technology under the US missile defence programme.
The US denies the operation was a response to an anti-satellite test carried out by China last year, which prompted fears of a space arms race.
(BMcC)
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27 April 2004
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
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12 November 2012
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
07 September 2005
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
24 June 2005
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
