Oklahoma Prepares For Possible Effects Of Satellite Re-Entry

The state of Oklahoma is taking steps to prepare for any fallout from the U.S. government's plan to shoot down a malfunctioning spy satellite.

Governor Brad Henry, in a news release, says he has met with state homeland security and emergency management officials to coordinate response efforts if any of the satellite debris were to land in Oklahoma. Federal authorities have asked Oklahoma and other states to prepare response plans for locating debris and keeping the public away from it.

"The chances of any satellite debris landing in Oklahoma are remote at best, but we want to be prepared just in case the unexpected does happen," said Gov. Henry. "We're alerting first responders across the state and providing them with federal guidelines for handling satellite debris."

The federal government hopes to use a missile to destroy the U.S. spy satellite before it re-enters earth's atmosphere and crashes. 

The missile launch could occur as early as Wednesday night, depending on weather conditions and other factors.