OPS 3984 (12799)

COSPAR: 1981-085A | Alt Name: OPS 3984
DECAYED

Image
OPS 3984 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 3, 1981

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Titan IIID

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12799

International Designator

1981-085A

Decay Date

11/23/1984

Basic Satellite Info

Name

OPS 3984

Alternative Name

OPS 3984

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

NRO/CIA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
OPS 3984, also known as KENNEN 4, is a reconnaissance satellite classified under the KH-11 Bus-1 configuration and was launched on September 3, 1981, from AFWTR Launch Pad SLC4E using a Titan IIID launch vehicle. The satellite measures 19 meters in length with a diameter of 3 meters and spans 30 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass and launch mass both equal to 8556 kg. Manufactured by TRW, the spacecraft is owned by NRO/CIA and serves an electro-optical reconnaissance mission. Its power system includes deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a cylinder with two panels. Launched for the US, OPS 3984 was designed to provide high-resolution imagery for intelligence purposes.
Physical Characteristics

Length

19

Diameter

3

Span

30

Dry Mass

8556

Launch Mass

8556

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

KENNEN 4

Purpose

Reconnaissance, electro-optical

Mission

Reconnaissance, electro-optical

Manufacturer

TRW

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

KH-11

Configuration

Bus-1

Motor

?

Equipment

?

Power System

Deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 1 Aug 2025

Space Brief 1 Aug 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a crucial weather data decision by the U.S. Defense Department, an innovative power supply for aerospace systems, advancements in satellite link technology, and Norway's maritime surveillance. AI/ML tools for airspace management and concerns about defense testing capabilities are also highlighted.

Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's SLS and Orion spacecraft rolled back to Launch Complex 39B, targeting April 1 for first crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.

X Report 29 Mar 2025

X Report 29 Mar 2025

Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.

Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Schiess as 3rd Space Force Chief | KeepTrack Space Brief

Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Schiess as 3rd Space Force Chief | KeepTrack Space Brief

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess nominated to lead Space Force, becoming the third Chief of Operations since the service's 2019 founding. Pentagon clears 8 firms for classified AI access.

Space Brief 18 Jan 2025

Space Brief 18 Jan 2025

In today's brief: high-profile personnel changes in the Space Force, the inclusion of Space Force in historical political events, and strategic shifts in defense highlighted with a focus on satellite applications.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounded After Rare Launch Failure

SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounded After Rare Launch Failure

The FAA grounds SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket after a launch mishap, potentially impacting NASA's crewed missions and disrupting SpaceX's ambitious launch schedule.

The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth

The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth

Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage

Space Brief 21 May 2025

Space Brief 21 May 2025

Today's Space Brief covers significant events including a high-stakes missile defense program, recent Chinese satellite launches, military defense initiatives, and key profiles in defense leadership.