USA 32, 45, 81

This series of satellites were reportedly low orbit ELINT satellites, possibly a continuation of the "Subsatellite Ferret" program

The satellite were orbited by Titan-2(23)G launch vehicles into a very low orbit, which was then raised by their own propulsion system to a operational height of 790 km.

The first satellite, USA 32, was launched into a near-circular 85°, 790 km orbit in September 1988.

The second satellite, USA 45 was launched in September 1989, but apparently the propulsion system of the satellite failed, leading to a reentry on decayed on 13 September 1989. If the satellite had raised its orbit, the orbital plane would have been 90° to the east of that for USA 32.

A third satellite, USA 81 followed in April 1992. The orbital plane of this satellite is 90° to the west of that for USA 32.

In 1995 it was reported, that the program had ended. As three of the six Titan-2(23)G launch vehicles, originally converted for classified use, were made available for other programs, it is likely, that this ELINT satellite program originally contained six satellites.

Nation: USA
Type / Application: ELINT or wide area surveillance
Operator:
Contractors:
Equipment:
Configuration:
Propulsion: ?
Power: Solar arrays, batteries
Lifetime:
Mass: ?
Orbit: 784 km × 791 km, 85° (#32); 792 km × 792 km, 85° (#81);
Satellite Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
USA 32 05.09.1988 Va SLC-4W Titan-2(23)G [PKM]
USA 45 06.09.1989 Va SLC-4W P Titan-2(23)G [PKM]
USA 81 25.04.1992 Va SLC-4W Titan-2(23)G [PKM]
? cancelled Va SLC-4W Titan-2(23)G [PKM]
? cancelled Va SLC-4W Titan-2(23)G [PKM]
? cancelled Va SLC-4W Titan-2(23)G [PKM]