A "large" US spy satellite has gone out of control and is expected to crash to Earth some time in late February or March, government sources say.Officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the satellite had lost power and propulsion, and could contain hazardous materials.
The satellite contains the rocket fuel hydrazine, a government official told AP on condition of anonymity.
A colourless liquid with an ammonia-like odour, the fuel is a toxic chemical and can cause harm to anyone who comes in contact with it.
John Pike, director of the defense research group GlobalSecurity.org, said an uncontrolled re-entry could risk exposure of US secrets.
Spy satellites typically are disposed of through a controlled re-entry into the ocean so that no one else can access the spacecraft, he was quoted by AP as saying.
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