An American spy satellite launched during the Cold War exploded in orbit without warning, and scientists still cannot explain the cause of this incident.
The explosion occurred on September 13, according to Space-Track, an organization that tracks satellites. The satellite, known as USA 32 or Farrah III, was launched by the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office in 1988 and was designed to intercept Soviet radio signals.
The explosion created a cloud of debris that could pose a threat to other spacecraft in the crowded low Earth orbit. The explosion occurred at an altitude of 775 kilometers above Earth, and according to experts, the debris likely spread out into a giant ring around the planet.
Among the possible causes of the explosion, experts are considering a collision with another satellite or space debris, although there is currently no confirmation of such incidents. Another theory is that the satellite may have malfunctioned due to age, as it was not designed for a long service life.
There is also speculation that the satellite may have been struck by an anti-satellite weapon, although there is currently no evidence to support this. Experts emphasize that the explosion could have serious consequences for other spacecraft, as there are already at least 200 other satellites in this area.
