A US spy satellite that lost power shortly after its 2006 launch and has since been orbiting Earth with an unused tank of toxic fuel was intercepted on Thursday by a missile launched from a US Navy warship. Experts worried that the satellite, which was falling out of orbit, could pose a threat to people when it reentered the atmosphere with about 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms) of dangerous hydrazine(ヒドラジン)propellant(推進燃料)on board, but officials now believe that the missile adequately destroyed the fuel tank. Many countries opposed the controversial operation, believing it to be a thinly disguised attempt to test an anti-satellite weapon and worrying that it could prompt an arms race in space.