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In this handout image provided by the U.S. Navy, The USS Lake Erie (CG 70) launches a Standard Missile-3 at a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite as it travelled in space at more than 17,000 mph over the Pacific Ocean on February 20, 2008. The objective was to rupture the satellite's fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of hydrazine, a hazardous material which could pose a danger to people on earth, before it entered into earth's atmosphere. The USS Lake Erie is an Aegis guided missile cruiser. USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Russell (DDG 59) were also part of the task force.

| Feb 22nd 2008 6:37AM

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