51-558: USA-193 , also known as NRO Launch 21 ( NROL-21 or simply L-21 ), was a United States military reconnaissance satellite ( radar imaging ) launched on 14 December 2006. It was the first launch conducted by the United Launch Alliance (ULA). Owned by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the craft's precise function and purpose were classified . On 21 February 2008, it was destroyed as
102-730: A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), the FEMA report indicates otherwise. On 29 January 2008, an Associated Press story quoted U.S. Air Force General Gene Renuart as saying that contingency plans were being made, since intact pieces of the satellite "might re-enter into the North American area ". In respecting the Space Liability Convention , the United States vowed to pay for any damage or destruction caused by their failed satellite. Planning for
153-399: A "high degree of confidence" that the fuel tank was hit and destroyed. The satellite's remnants were expected to burn up over the course of the next 40 days, with most of the satellite's mass re-entering the atmosphere within 48 hours of the missile strike. U.S. officials denied that the action was intended to prevent sensitive technology falling into foreign hands and also denied that it was
204-653: A female Marine captain, and investigators recommended administrative action for "failure to discipline a subordinate" and "fostering an unduly familiar relationship". Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus , however, reviewed the evidence and found it insufficient to warrant corrective action for even the lesser offenses. He stated, "I do not agree with the conclusion that General Cartwright maintained an 'unduly familiar relationship' with his aide. Nor do I agree that General Cartwright's execution of his leadership responsibilities vis-à-vis his aide or any other member of his staff
255-685: A guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on a charge of making false statements during the leak investigation, a felony. Outgoing President Barack Obama pardoned Cartwright on January 17, 2017, two weeks prior to his scheduled sentencing hearing. Cartwright was the inaugural holder of the Harold Brown Chair in Defense Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies ,
306-444: A large amount of space debris in orbit, while the destruction of USA-193 in a much lower orbit would create debris that would likely deorbit within weeks. The Russian government claimed that this exercise was a test of the U.S. missile defense program. The defense ministry of Russia accused the U.S. of using hydrazine as a cover for the test of an ASAT. It also noted that extraordinary measures had never before been needed to deal with
357-478: A response to the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test . This was not the first time the United States shot down one of its own satellites; the Air Force had shot down a satellite in 1985 . Although the U.S. had objected to the earlier Chinese test of an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon , U.S. officials said there was "no parallel" with that test. The Chinese test destroyed a target in a high, stable orbit, leaving
408-518: A result of Operation Burnt Frost . USA-193 was part of the NRO's Future Imagery Architecture (FIA), which was begun in 1997 to produce a fleet of inexpensive reconnaissance satellites, but has become the agency's most spectacular failure. USA-193 was initially developed by Boeing , which won the contract in 1999, beating out Lockheed Martin with proposals for innovative electro-optics and radar. But after cost overruns, delays, and parts failures, NRO sent
459-667: A think tank – a post he held from 2011 until 2017. In addition, Cartwright serves as a member of the board of directors of The Raytheon Company , a senior fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School , and as a defense consultant for ABC News . Cartwright is an advisor for several corporate entities involved in global management consulting, technology services and program solutions, predictive and big data analytics, and advanced systems engineering, integration, and decision-support services. He serves as an advisor to
510-494: A year. Craig stated: "General Cartwright has done nothing wrong. He has devoted his entire life to defending the United States. He would never do anything to weaken our national defense or undermine our national security. Hoss Cartwright is a national treasure, a genuine hero and a great patriot." On November 2, 2012, in an interview with the FBI, Cartwright denied he was the source of the leaks. On October 17, 2016, Cartwright entered
561-643: Is a retired United States Marine Corps general who last served as the eighth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from August 31, 2007, to August 3, 2011. He previously served as the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command , from September 1, 2004, to August 10, 2007, and as Acting Commander, U.S. Strategic Command from July 9, 2004, to September 1, 2004. He retired from the Marine Corps on August 3, 2011, after nearly 40 years of service. Cartwright
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#1732775908281612-810: Is about 2 hectares, something like 1/10,000,000,000 of the area under the orbit. The potential for actual harm is unbelievably small". Other analyses, such as those cited by Yousaf Butt, show the hydrazine tank burning up in the upper atmosphere. Two examples of uncontrolled atmospheric re-entries causing (or almost causing) damage are the 1978 re-entry of Kosmos 954 , a Soviet satellite, which landed in Canada and spread dangerous amounts of nuclear fuel from its onboard reactor over large tracts of land, and Skylab 's 1979 re-entry, which rattled windows and dropped small pieces of debris onto buildings in Esperance , Western Australia (no significant monetary damage resulted, but
663-947: The Air Command and Staff College , Maxwell AFB 1986, and received his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College , Newport, Rhode Island , 1991. In 2008, he was honored with the Naval War College Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award . He was selected for and completed a fellowship with MIT Seminar XXI in 1994. From July 9, 2004, to September 1, 2004, Lieutenant General Cartwight served as Acting Commander, United States Strategic Command while awaiting official assumption of office and promotion as Strategic Command's new commander. On September 1, 2004, Cartwright
714-578: The U-2 , and due to public concern about a technological gap between the West and the Soviet Union. It was expedited significantly after the shooting of a U-2 in 1960. Meanwhile, in the Soviet Union, a decree that authorized the development of sputnik apparently authorized a program for a satellite to be used for photo reconnaissance. This design evolved into Vostok, while another version became Zenit, which
765-462: The 1950s, a Soviet hoax had led to American fears of a bomber gap . In 1968, after gaining satellite photography, the United States' intelligence agencies were able to state with certainty that "No new ICBM complexes have been established in the USSR during the past year". President Lyndon B. Johnson told a gathering in 1967: I wouldn't want to be quoted on this ... We've spent $ 35 or $ 40 billion on
816-510: The Earth" in order "to determine the status of a potential enemy's war-making capability". During the mid-late 1950s, both the United States and the Soviet Union took interest into reconnaissance satellites. The United States began the CORONA project, which encompassed several series of launches starting in 1959 and ending in 72. This program was made a priority to photograph denied areas, replace
867-530: The FBI regarding an investigation into the source of leaked classified information. He had been scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2017, but was pardoned and had his security clearance restored by President Barack Obama on January 17, 2017. Cartwright was born on September 22, 1949, in Rockford , Illinois, and attended West High School before going on to the University of Iowa . While there he
918-778: The Global Zero Summit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, and currently serves as Chair of the Global Zero U.S. Nuclear Policy Commission, which in May 2012 released its report, "Modernizing U.S. Nuclear Force Structure and Policy," calling for the United States and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenals 80% to 900 total weapons each, which would pave the way to bringing other nuclear weapons countries into
969-488: The Joint Chiefs of Staff , on June 28, 2007. Senator John Warner of Virginia, the senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee , stated, "General Cartwright has an extraordinary grasp and understanding of the global posture that America must maintain in this era of new and ever-changing threats". Cartwright's nomination was confirmed by the full Senate on August 3, 2007. Due to
1020-635: The Joint Staff (2002–2004); Directorate for Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J-8 the Joint Staff (1996–1999); Deputy Aviation Plans, Policy, and Budgets Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (1993–1994); Assistant Program Manager for Engineering, F/A-18 Naval Air Systems Command (1986–1989). Cartwright was named the Outstanding Carrier Aviator by the Association of Naval Aviation in 1983. He graduated with distinction from
1071-423: The U.S. military. While most of this debris re-entered the Earth's atmosphere within a few months, a few pieces lasted slightly longer because they were thrown into higher orbits. The final piece of USA-193 debris (COSPAR 2006-057GH, SATCAT 35425) re-entered on 28 October 2009. The launch of at least one other satellite was postponed to avoid space debris from USA-193. An Atlas V launch hot line recording indicated
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#17327759082811122-507: The U.S. was symbolically fined US$ 400 for littering). No weapon existed in 1978 to bring down Kosmos 954, and a Soviet anti-satellite weapon (part of the Istrebitel Sputnikov program), the first of its kind, was declared operational only ten days before Skylab re-entered the atmosphere, and was not capable of directing the space station's descent. Before the destruction of USA-193, Pentagon officials repeatedly denied that it
1173-474: The U.S., China, and Russia. It was the first launch by United Launch Alliance since it was formed in December 2006, and the first Delta II launch since ULA acquisition. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports indicate that the satellite contained the hazardous materials hydrazine and beryllium . Though there was some speculation that the satellite might have a "nuclear" power core, i.e.
1224-1078: The Union Address , President Jimmy Carter argued that all of humanity benefited from the presence of American spy satellites: ...photo-reconnaissance satellites, for example, are enormously important in stabilizing world affairs and thereby make a significant contribution to the security of all nations. Reconnaissance satellites have been used to enforce human rights, through the Satellite Sentinel Project , which monitors atrocities in Sudan and South Sudan . Additionally, companies such as GeoEye and DigitalGlobe have provided commercial satellite imagery in support of natural disaster response and humanitarian missions. Spy satellites are commonly seen in spy fiction and military fiction . Some works of fiction that focus specifically on spy satellites include: James Cartwright James Edward "Hoss" Cartwright (born September 22, 1949)
1275-718: The board of directors for Accenture , Enlightenment Capital , IxReveal , Logos Technologies , Opera Solutions, and TASC Inc. He is also affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the Aspen Strategy Group , The Atlantic Council , the Nuclear Threat Initiative , and the Sanya Initiative. Cartwright is also a leading advocate for the phased and verified elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide (" Global Zero (campaign) "). In October 2011, he spoke at
1326-477: The case of KH-11 photographs which were sent to Jane's Defence Weekly in 1984, or US President Donald Trump tweeting a classified image of the aftermath of a failed test of Iran's Safir rocket in 2019. On 16 March 1955, the United States Air Force officially ordered the development of an advanced reconnaissance satellite to provide continuous surveillance of "preselected areas of
1377-459: The contract to Lockheed, which built USA-193 around the Boeing radar design. Lockheed Martin and Boeing both supported the launch, the first in the joint effort known as the United Launch Alliance . USA-193 weighed about 2,300 kg (5,100 lb), with a body thought to be 4.6 m (15 ft) long and 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) wide, estimates based on the maximal Delta II payload. With
1428-750: The debris would delay the launch of a different National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellite USA-200 (NROL-28) as "a precautionary measure". Reconnaissance satellite A reconnaissance satellite or intelligence satellite (commonly, although unofficially, referred to as a spy satellite ) is an Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications. The first generation type (i.e., Corona and Zenit ) took photographs, then ejected canisters of photographic film which would descend back down into Earth's atmosphere. Corona capsules were retrieved in mid-air as they floated down on parachutes . Later, spacecraft had digital imaging systems and downloaded
1479-428: The deorbit of the satellite for some time. The satellite malfunctioned shortly after deployment and was intentionally destroyed 14 months later on 21 February 2008 by a modified SM-3 missile fired from the U.S. Navy warship USS Lake Erie (CG-70) , stationed west of Hawaii . The event highlighted growing distrust between the U.S. and China, and was viewed by some to be part of a wider "arms race" in space involving
1530-480: The destruction of USA-193 with a missile reportedly began on 4 January 2008, with President Bush approving the plan on 12 February 2008, at an expected cost of US$ 40 million to US$ 60 million. The task force had as its goal to "rupture the fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 453 kg (999 lb) of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel, which could pose a danger to people on Earth , before it entered into Earth's atmosphere". On 14 February 2008, U.S. officials announced
1581-913: The fictional character Eric "Hoss" Cartwright , the middle brother on the classic 1960s TV show Bonanza , who was played by actor Dan Blocker . Cartwright's operational assignments include: Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (2000–2002); Deputy Commanding General Marine Forces Atlantic (1999–2000); Commander Marine Aircraft Group 31 (1994–1996); Commander Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (1992); Fixed Wing Operations Marine Aircraft Group 24 (1991); Commander Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 (1989–1990); Administration Officer and Officer-In-Charge Deployed Carrier Operations VMFAT-101 (1983–1985); Aircraft Maintenance Officer VMFA-235 (1979–1982); Line Division Officer VMFA-333 USS Nimitz (1975–1977); Embarkation OIC VMFA-251 & 232 (1973–1975). Cartwright's staff assignments include: Director for Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J-8
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1632-412: The first-in-history multilateral nuclear arms negotiations. In June 2015, Cartwright was a signatory to a public letter written by a bipartisan group of 19 U.S. diplomats, experts, and others, on the then-pending negotiations for an agreement between Iran and world powers over Iran's nuclear program. That letter outlined concerns about several provisions in the then-unfinished agreement and called for
1683-481: The images via encrypted radio links. In the United States, most information available about reconnaissance satellites is on programs that existed up to 1972, as this information has been declassified due to its age. Some information about programs before that time is still classified information , and a small amount of information is available on subsequent missions. A few up-to-date reconnaissance satellite images have been declassified on occasion, or leaked, as in
1734-547: The many spacecraft that had fallen to Earth. Indeed, The New York Times had paraphrased Gordon Johndroe , spokesman for the United States National Security Council , as stating that 328 objects had deorbited (controlled and uncontrolled) in the previous five-year period. However, U.S. officials maintained that the large quantity of hydrazine on board made USA-193 a special case. According to General Kevin P. Chilton , when President Bush
1785-526: The operation to a New York Times reporter. In March 2015, the Washington Post reported that the sensitive leak investigation, led by Rod Rosenstein , had "stalled amid concerns that a prosecution in federal court could force the government to confirm" information about the highly classified program. U.S. officials feared that if classified information were revealed in any information, it would harm U.S.-Israeli relations and would also complicate
1836-604: The plan to destroy USA-193 before atmospheric reentry , stating that the intention was "saving or reducing injury to human life". They said that if the hydrazine tank fell to Earth, it "could spread a toxic cloud roughly the size of two football fields". General James Cartwright confirmed that the United States Navy was preparing to launch an SM-3 missile to destroy the satellite, at an altitude of 247 km (153 mi), shortly before it entered Earth's atmosphere. On 21 February 2008, at 03:26 UTC an SM-3 missile
1887-454: The radar antenna extended, USA-193 was about the size of a basketball court (~30 × 15 m). The satellite entered orbit, but lost contact with the ground within hours. In late January 2008, reports from anonymous U.S. officials indicated a U.S. spy satellite, later confirmed as USA-193, was in a deteriorating orbit and was expected to crash into Earth within weeks. This came as no surprise to amateur satellite watchers , who had been predicting
1938-524: The retirement of Admiral Giambastiani on July 27, 2007, Cartwright assumed the position immediately upon confirmation. He was sworn in on August 31, 2007, as the 8th Vice Chairman. On March 18, 2009, Secretary of Defense Gates announced that Cartwright had been nominated for a second term as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He was confirmed by the Senate on July 31, 2009. The military investigated Cartwright in 2009 and 2010 for possible misconduct involving
1989-451: The space program. And if nothing else had come out of it except the knowledge that we gained from space photography, it would be worth ten times what the whole program has cost. Because tonight we know how many missiles the enemy has and, it turned out, our guesses were way off . We were doing things we didn't need to do. We were building things we didn't need to build. We were harboring fears we didn't need to harbor. During his 1980 State of
2040-635: The then-pending negotiations on an agreement with Iran over the nuclear program . It was reported that federal prosecutors had discussions with the Office of White House Counsel , then led by Kathryn Ruemmler , on whether certain material important to the case would be declassified, and Ruemmler conveyed that the government was unwilling to provide the documentation. Cartwright denied any wrongdoing; his attorney, Gregory B. Craig , said in March 2015 that Cartwright had no contact with federal investigators for over
2091-464: The time also said. Cartwright held his retirement ceremony on August 3, 2011. During the ceremony, Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III presented Cartwright his fourth Defense Distinguished Service Medal . He also received the Army , Navy , Air Force , and Coast Guard distinguished service medals. Cartwright received the following decorations, awards, and badges: In June 2013, it
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2142-756: Was a scholarship swimmer for the Iowa Hawkeyes . Cartwright was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1971. He attended Naval Flight Officer training and graduated in April 1973. He attended Naval Aviator training and graduated in January 1977. He has operational assignments as a Naval Flight Officer in the F-4, and as a pilot in the F-4 , OA-4 , and F/A-18 . His callsign comes from
2193-538: Was accused of providing classified information that was published in the book Confront and Conceal by David Sanger . During the course of the investigation, Cartwright agreed to be interviewed by the FBI without a lawyer present. He was indicted for lying to the FBI regarding the time and locations of meetings with Sanger. Cartwright was never charged with leaking any classified information; Sanger maintains that Cartwright did not provide him with any classified material. On October 17, 2016, he pleaded guilty to lying to
2244-518: Was an unmanned reconnaissance satellite. Zenit was launched from 1961 to 1994, however the last flight in 1994 was as a test payload. Both the CORONA and Zenit satellites had to be recovered and used film, making them distinct from future reconnaissance satellites that could transmit photos without returning film to earth. There are several major types of reconnaissance satellite. Examples of reconnaissance satellite missions: On 28 August 2013, it
2295-465: Was briefed on the situation, the danger that shooting down the satellite would be perceived as an ASAT test was brought up, and President Bush made his decision based on the dangers of an uncontrolled reentry. Other observers dismiss the threat of the hydrazine, suggesting that the effect of the cloud, when diluted over a large area, would likely be mild: "The hydrazine tank is a 1-meter sphere containing about 400 liters of hydrazine. The stated hazard area
2346-543: Was fired from the Ticonderoga -class missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and intercepted USA-193 about 247 km (153 mi) above the Pacific Ocean . The satellite was traveling with a velocity of 28,000 km/h (17,000 mph), or 7.8 km/s (4.8 mi/s). The velocity of the impact was about 35,000 km/h (22,000 mph). The United States Department of Defense (DoD) expressed
2397-474: Was inconsistent with the leadership requirements". Questions about how he oversaw his staff, however, were mentioned as a reason Cartwright had fallen out as the favored candidate of President Obama for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2011. Army chief Gen. Martin Dempsey was named to the post. "Some Republicans [had] ... quietly criticized Gen. Cartwright, calling him 'Obama's general,'" one report at
2448-526: Was meant to bolster the U.S. missile defense program. Six days after USA-193's destruction, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said, "the mission's success shows that U.S. plans for a missile-defense system are realistic" though in the same statement it was confirmed that the weapons and systems used for this mission will not retain their ASAT capability, and will be reconfigured back to their original purpose as tactical missiles. The destruction of USA-193 created 174 pieces of orbital debris that were cataloged by
2499-468: Was reported that Cartwright had received a target letter from the U.S. Justice Department , informing him that he was under investigation for leaking classified information about Stuxnet , a computer virus used in a U.S.-Israel cyberattack against centrifuges in Iranian nuclear facilities (see Operation Olympic Games ). Federal investigators reportedly suspected that Cartwright leaked details of
2550-420: Was sworn in as Commander, United States Strategic Command. He was promoted to full general on the same day. On June 8, 2007, Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended Cartwright to be the next Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , to replace retiring Admiral Edmund Giambastiani . President George W. Bush formally announced the nomination, with that of Admiral Michael Mullen to be Chairman of
2601-503: Was thought that "a $ 1-billion high-powered spy satellite capable of snapping pictures detailed enough to distinguish the make and model of an automobile hundreds of miles below" was launched from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Delta IV Heavy launcher, America's highest-payload space launch vehicle at the time. On 17 February 2014, a Russian Kosmos-1220 originally launched in 1980 and used for naval missile targeting until 1982, made an uncontrolled atmospheric entry . During
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