X Report 8 Feb 2025
SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.
OPS 3123 (11850)
COSPAR: 1980-052A | Alt Name: OPS 3123
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 18, 1980
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4E
Launch Vehicle
Titan IIID
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11850
International Designator
1980-052A
Decay Date
3/6/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 3123
Alternative Name
OPS 3123
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
OPS 3123, also known by its satellite identifier 1980-052A and NORAD catalog ID 11850, is a KH-9 reconnaissance satellite launched on June 18, 1980, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using the Titan IIID rocket. It was manufactured by LMSC for the NRO/SAFSP (National Reconnaissance Office / Space and Missile Systems Center) and is part of the HEXAGON series with SV-16 designation. The satellite measures 15.8 meters in length, has a diameter of 3 meters, and spans 15.8 meters across its largest dimension. At launch, it had a mass of 8211 kg, reducing to 6311 kg dry mass after mission deployment. It features a cylindrical body with two panels and has a radar cross-section (RCS) of 47.4946 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
15.8
Diameter
3
Span
15.8
Dry Mass
6311
Launch Mass
8211
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
47.4946
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
HEXAGON SV-16
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
KH-9
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Eyes Space Tugs, On-Orbit Refueling by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force commits to operational space tugs and on-orbit refueling by 2030. New capabilities will complicate conjunction analysis for GEO and MEO satellite tracking.
Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.
X Report 24 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces challenges with a Falcon 9 reentry issue, while continuing to expand its Starlink constellation with new launches.
The Day South Korea Achieved Independent Space Launch Capability
Twelve years ago, South Korea successfully launched a satellite using its own launch vehicle and facilities for the first time, marking a crucial milestone in its journey to space independence
X Report 22 Jul 2025
Critical updates from SpaceX include a scrubbed satellite launch and a busy launch schedule for the week, featuring multiple Falcon 9 missions.
X Report 13 Nov 2025
Today's report covers SpaceX's progress on Starship pad realignment and Rocket Lab's delay of its Neutron rocket debut, highlighting key advancements and competitive dynamics in the space industry.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.