February 21, 2008 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today made the following statement regarding the successful missile shoot down of a disabled spy satellite, in which a U.S. Navy AEGIS cruiser used a pinpoint missile strike that successfully destroyed the satellite’s 1,000 pounds of toxic hydrazine fuel about 247 kilometers, or 153 miles, above the Pacific Ocean.  The SM-3 missile, originally designed to knock down incoming short- or medium-range ballistic missiles, was fired by the USS Lake Erie at 10:26 p.m. Eastern time, hitting the descending satellite about 3 minutes later.

“I congratulate the United States Navy and all the men and women in America’s Armed Forces who contributed to the mission for stepping over yet another historic milestone in the development of our nation’s missile defense capabilities.  Last night’s successful intercept not only prevented potentially massive damage had debris from the satellite been allowed to enter earth’s atmosphere, but it also demonstrated the real and tangible technological progress we have made toward fielding a robust and layered missile defense system including defense of land, sea, air, and space. 

“It is my hope that the extremely challenging nature of the mission, the proven capability of our men and women in Armed Forces, and the extraordinary capability of our missile defense technology that successfully engaged a disabled satellite traveling more than 17,000 miles per hour on the first try, will persuade any remaining critics who doubt the efficacy and importance of missile defense to our national security.”

Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense is a sea-based missile defense system deployed on several U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers.  It includes onboard radars and Standard Missile-3 interceptors currently capable of intercepting short and medium-range missiles.  It has a successful 12 out of 14 record for test engagements.