Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
OPS 8520 (04406)
COSPAR: 1970-040B | Alt Name: TRIPOS IV
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 20, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2H Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04406
International Designator
1970-040B
Decay Date
3/8/1974
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 8520
Alternative Name
TRIPOS IV
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.8
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
95
Launch Mass
95
Shape
Box+2 Dish+Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
P-11 No. 4421
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSC/CHAIL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
P-11
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
SRS Motor
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 8 Jun 2025
SpaceX has seen a flurry of activity with successful launches, static-fire tests for Starship, and ongoing preparations for future objectives, marking an exciting time for the aerospace company.
SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)
The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.
The Day Earth Became a Pale Blue Dot
Thirty-five years ago, Voyager 1 captured a revolutionary series of images from the edge of our solar system, forever changing how humanity sees its place in the cosmos
X Report 3 Aug 2025
SpaceX bids farewell to LZ-1 while continuing its mission towards advancements in satellite technology and the ongoing Starlink project.
Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.
SpaceX Launches 1,500th Starlink of 2026, Space Brief 15 Jun 2026
SpaceX launches its 1,500th Starlink satellite of 2026 as shares jump 19% on Nasdaq debut day. Musk targets $1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030.
Space Brief 28 Mar 2025
Today's updates focus on significant developments in U.S. national security space launches, Army space training, potential shifts in satellite procurement strategies, and the Meteor 2-21 satellite.