US Cold War-era spy satellite explodes above Earth — and nobody knows why - Yahoo Tech
A defunct Cold War-era U.S. spy satellite, USA 32, unexpectedly fragmented in orbit on September 13. Scientists are currently investigating the cause of the explosion and the potential risk the resulting debris poses to other spacecraft.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing problem of space debris and the risks associated with aging, defunct hardware in crowded low Earth orbits.
The defunct USA 32 (or Farrah III) satellite, which launched in 1988, broke apart without warning on Sept. 13, around 480 miles above Earth's surface. Experts are still unsure what caused this sudden fragmentation, how many pieces it created, or how the debris might impact other nearby spacecraft.
By Harry Baker Edited by Brandon Specktor , Laura Mondrag n Published 28 September 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
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