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] |