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This is actually old news. This satellite malfunctioned a while ago and it's only now that it's been officially admitted to. But no, it has nothing to do with securing sensitive hardware. The full tank of propellant has always been a worry and the concern is that on burn up the tank might possibly make it through and rain fuel down. It's remote but possible and so they're taking measures to avoid the problem before it happens.
As for the shuttle, you're exactly right, but thank all of the space critics who cried for restricting it's use after Challenger and Columbia. Thanks to all of the belly aching it's basically a glorified commuter bus to the station and back now.
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