Shoot that satellite down, mate

CNN reports this morning: "A formal notice warning ships and planes to stay clear of a large area of the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii, indicates the U.S. Navy likely will make its first attempt to shoot down a faulty spy satellite Wednesday night."

In the 'unlikely event' the satellite hits land, which may or may not be filled with hydrazine, or plutonium, or may just be a cover for a thinly veiled space arms tactical test, FEMA will be ready. They report that six intergovernmental agencies are ready to help, described in a memo posted on the first responder site.

So initially we are told that the satellite is harmless. And it will come down in March. Then we are told a "small amount" of gas is on board. Then we are told the gas is hydrazine and 'could be harmful' if inhaled. Then three Navy ships are dispatched, an Aegis cruiser and two destroyers, and the shoot down is bumped to Thursday. Then we are told, nope, it'll be Wednesday, and by the way FEMA is working with six other agencies in what they term a HAZMAT event complete with "Establishing victim support centers."

Feel safe?

By the way, let us not forget May 9 2007:

National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive

The directive states the in the case of a National Catastrophic Emergency, the President, along with the head of Homeland Security, can take over the government and do whatever they please in order to provide "continuance".

Excerpt from the White House website:

(b) "Catastrophic Emergency" means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions

What I find particularly interesting is the phrase, "regardless of location." Of course, "any incident" is not too comforting either. So anything that happens, anywhere, and the President can 'continue.' Read the actual paper for yourself, it's not hard and it's not too long.

Continue on with your day fellow bloggers! Continue on.
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Space Object FEMA papers:

http://www.ncems.org/pdf/First-Responder-Guide%20Memo_FINAL_02-14-08.pdf
http://www.ncems.org/pdf/FEMAERGResponderGuide-SpaceObject-FINAL-02-14-2008.pdf
http://www.ncems.org/pdf/SpaceObjectConOps_FINAL-02-14-08.pdf