U.S. takes down satellite with single shot

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The Pentagon's successful one-shot downing of a satellite proves the military has the ability to take down high orbiting satellites, some experts say.

The unprecedented success of the satellite downing has lead some experts to believe the United States has added a weapon to its arsenal, The Washington Post reported Friday.

"This is much more now known throughout the world that we have this capability," Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance President Riki Ellison said.

Officials said they were 90 percent sure the missile, which was developed from the U.S. missile defense program, hit its aim, a toxic fuel tank.

"This was an exceptional case, and I reiterate that this action should not be construed as standard U.S. policy for dealing with problem satellites," House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo., said.

Nuclear expert Clay Moltz echoed fears of other space experts when he said the U.S. downing could cause long-term problems for emerging test programs in other countries. China accused the United States of trying to get a military advantage in space.