US Ready To Destroy Rocket To Protect Canadian Oil Platforms

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File photo of a Titan 4 launch.

Ottawa (AFP) Apr 14, 2005
The United States is ready to blow up its Titan 4 rocket if debris from its booster should threaten Canadian oil platforms in the Atlantic, Newfoundland's premier said last Thursday.

The launch was delayed two weeks ago after Canada expressed concern that rocket debris could fall on the oil installations off Newfoundland, prompting authorities to evacuate workers from the platforms.

Titan 4, which will carry a military satellite into orbit, will take off in a few days from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

"The US Air Force would be able and prepared to destroy the rocket in the unlikely event that unforeseen circumstances arise that could result in the rocket booster falling outside of the identified safety zone," said Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams.

Williams said the assurance was given to him by Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, who had been in contact with US authorities.

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Orbital Successfully Launches New Medium Range Target For MDA

Dulles VA (SPX) Apr 13, 2005
Orbital Sciences announced Tuesday that it successfully launched a new Medium Range Target (MRT) vehicle for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA).