Astronomers lose access to military data

[sheeny]

Found this on Nature this morning:

http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090612/full/459897a.html

The military have blocked the use of early warning satellite data (which also detects meteorite activity) by astronomers. The reason has not been disclosed, but it is speculated to coincide with a new system coming on line.

Al.

[dpastern]

They're probably using the satellites to covertly work for an early nuclear attack policy (think Iran & North Korea). I wouldn't trust the US military as far as I could throw them.

Dave

[Robh]

How was the data accessed? If astronomers had computer access to the military's network and it was real-time surveying, then the military would be worried about security breaches. But then who's to say that associated military personnel are more reliable than security-cleared astronomers? Or maybe, they are worried that the astronomers have the potential to outsmart the system!

Regards, Rob.

[mswhin63]

Unfortunately hackers cause serious trouble and this undermines good overall access to data. So much caution is needed unfortunately.