The official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity, says high waves in the Pacific Ocean, west of Hawaii, will likely prevent a U.S. Navy ship from meeting the criteria to launch the missile.
The official says the path of the satellite will provide one ideal opportunity for a shoot-down every day until February 29. The Pentagon says the satellite is carrying toxic fuel that could pose a public health threat if it reaches the ground.
Meanwhile, the U.S. space shuttle Atlantis landed safely on Earth today after a two-week mission to expand the International Space Station.
Officials from the U.S. space agency NASA wanted Atlantis back as soon as possible to clear the way for the U.S. military to fire the missile at the falling spy satellite.
The shuttle touched down Wednesday morning at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Source: By VOA News
