Did a little research (read the tibune this morning) and it states that they're using a Standar SM3 missile which is part of the Aegis system. This version of the missile was developed to add anti ballistic missile ability to the anti-aircraft role of the Standard missile system which includes the addition of a third stage and new warhead. So I guess using it against a low orbit satellite isn't too much of a stretch for it. I actually made a model rocket of this missile (Sm2 version but outwardly identical)and have launched it a few times, it's a 2 stage and on "c" engines it's gone over 2000 ft. Anyways the warhead's not really a warhead but rather a kinetic self guided interceptor using a pulse motor for constant course corrections to impact much like Deep Impact was, mass+speed=boom there's a cool youtube video of the warhead in tests and an animation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGvlNufdeL8 it's in japanese since they also use this system for missile defense. Should be quite the operational and proof of concept test! Howard PS: here's an article of a test of the SM3 in the pacific not too long ago http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1629453/posts --- Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
On 15 Feb 2008, at 02:14, Howard Jackman wrote:
It could cause complications, any idea of what type of rocket they're using?
All they said on the news today was a ship borne missile and that they figure they've got three tries to hit it.
Did you see that Nova program?
Yes. Good program. I appreciated the candor from the spokespeople from both sides.
PS; enjoying those post storm skies??
The skies looked good as it was getting dark last night but there must have been some high thin stuff because I was unable to get any good data. I finally gave up when the visible clouds moved in.
Carpe Noctem!
patrick
p.s. Off topic but still fun. The trailer for the new "Indy" movie:
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/indianajones.html?showVideo=1
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