X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
OPS 6394 (FLTSATCOM 4) (12046)
COSPAR: 1980-087A | Alt Name: FLTSATCOM F4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 31, 1980
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12046
International Designator
1980-087A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:08:09 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
7.95°
Right Ascension
304.39°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
137.14°
Period
1455.22 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 6394 (FLTSATCOM 4)
Alternative Name
FLTSATCOM F4
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
USNESC/AFSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12046U 80087A 26184.63066712 -.00000258 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 12046 7.9536 304.3938 0003134 137.1442 223.0302 0.98954158130339
Source: Celestrak
Summary
OPS 6394 (FLTSATCOM 4), also known as FLTSATCOM F4, is a US communication satellite launched on October 31, 1980, from Launch Complex 36A at AFETR using an Atlas SLV-3D Centaur launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 1.3 meters in length, 2.4 meters in diameter, and spans 13.2 meters with its deployed solar arrays. It was manufactured by TRW and equipped with a dry mass of 822 kg, launching at a mass of 942 kg. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries and features a shape described as hexagonal cylindrical with dish and panel components. FLTSATCOM F4 has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 8.923 m² and is owned by USNESC/AFSD, operating for a planned lifetime of 12 years. It carries 12 transponders providing UHF/SHF uplink and UHF downlink communication capabilities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.3
Diameter
2.4
Span
13.2
Dry Mass
822
Launch Mass
942
Shape
Hex Cyl + Dish + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
8.923
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FLTSATCOM F4
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
12 years
Bus
FLTSATCOM
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Star 37F
Equipment
12 transponders with UHF/SHF uplink and UHF downlink
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026
Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.
Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
China Launches VLEO Alliance With Sats Below 300km | KeepTrack Space Brief
China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.
The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites
Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent
$4.16B Space Force Contract Goes to SpaceX, X Report 30 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16B US Space Force contract for an airborne threat tracking satellite network. Starlink holds 10,413 satellites in orbit, 10,397 working.
X Report 31 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Starlink sparks market shifts and celestial awe as iPhones gain new connectivity and a satellite ignites the night sky.
New Glenn Explodes After USSF Awards Blue Origin Security Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
New Glenn rocket exploded hours after U.S. Space Force and NRO awarded Blue Origin a national security launch task order. Stand-down and mishap investigation expected.