NEW : First launch was to be at night . The satellite malfunctioned right after launch in December 2006 . It has a full tank of fuel and could dispense deadly fumes if it hits Earth . Deputy National Security Adviser James Jeffrey said earlier this month that President Bush made the decision to shoot the satellite down after consulting with several government and military officials and aerospace experts . If satellite falls to Earth , it could leave a cloud of fumes the size of 2 football fields .
NEW : First launch was to be at night . The satellite malfunctioned right after launch in December 2006 . It has a full tank of fuel and could dispense deadly fumes if it hits Earth . If satellite falls to Earth , it could leave a cloud of fumes the size of 2 football fields .