Washington, June 23 (AP): Spy chief Mike McConnell has cancelled a multibillion-dollar US spy satellite programme that engineers hoped would someday pass undetected through the space above other nations.

The move from the director of national intelligence comes after several years of congressional efforts to kill the programme, known publicly as the next generation of "Misty" satellites.

The new satellite was to be a stealthy intelligence spacecraft designed to take pictures of adversaries and avoid detection.

Little is known about the classified US network of satellites, which represent some of the most expensive government programmes and receive almost no public oversight.

Because of their multibillion-dollar price tags, sensitive missions and lengthy development schedules, spy agencies go to great pains to keep details from becoming public.

McConnell gave no reason for his recent decision. Despite the programme's secrecy, he almost dared further inquiry into it.

Speaking Tuesday to an intelligence conference on workplace diversity, McConnell changed the subject and ended his speech by saying -- "I have been advised when I was getting ready for this job, you have to do two things: kill a multibillion-dollar programme. Just did that. Word is not out yet. You'll see soon.

"And fire somebody important. So I'm searching," he added in jest, getting a laugh from the crowd.