re: #92 erik_t

Pretty unlikely the current on-orbit X-37 has anything like the delta-V required to go get the thing, even if we wanted to. I don’t know if we have another that’s launch-ready.

Also it’s probably illegal or whatever.

You are probably right but the timing of the AF launch was rather nicely near the launch window for the DPRK device. It crossed my mind that might not be a coincidence. Plus grabbing anything tumbling is a huge challenge.

But in theory, if an out of control sat in low orbit needed to be taken care of that is the bird for it. I would hope the necessity would take care of the legality.

If the DPRK just wanted to muck up low orbit with debris now they apparently could. A cargo of copper bb’s could really screw things up is that theory is correct that Charles linked. “Area denial”=low orbit.