US Cold War-era spy satellite USA 32 explodes in orbit

US spy satellite USA 32 (Farrah III), launched by the NRO in 1988, broke apart on Sept. 13 at an altitude of 775 km. The cause is unknown and the number of debris fragments has not been determined; experts warn of collision risks for other spacecraft in crowded low Earth orbit.

• USA 32 was launched by the NRO in 1988 to intercept Soviet signals
• The breakup occurred Sept. 13 at 775 km and was confirmed by Space-Track
• Cause unknown: collision, aging batteries or anti-satellite weapon are considered
• Over 200 satellites operate in the debris zone, raising collision risk