Space Brief 23 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.
OPS 8424 (14935)
COSPAR: 1984-039A | Alt Name: OPS 8424
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 17, 1984
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4W
Launch Vehicle
Titan 24B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
14935
International Designator
1984-039A
Decay Date
8/13/1984
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 8424
Alternative Name
OPS 8424
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
OPS 8424, also known by its OBJECT_ID 1984-039A, is a US satellite belonging to the KH-8 bus configuration and was launched on April 17, 1984, from AFWTR (SLC4W) using a Titan 24B launch vehicle. The satellite's mission was reconnaissance with a focus on photographic film return type operations. It has dimensions of 5.7 meters in length, a diameter of 1.5 meters, and the same span. Its dry mass is 2,400 kg, which matches its launch mass. OPS 8424 was equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite’s payload is GAMBIT-3 FM-54, and it has a mission lifetime of approximately 75 days. It was manufactured by LMSC and owned by NRO/SAFSP (National Reconnaissance Office/Senior Air Force Space Program).
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.7
Diameter
1.5
Span
5.7
Dry Mass
2400
Launch Mass
2400
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GAMBIT-3 FM-54
Purpose
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Mission
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
75 days
Bus
KH-8
Configuration
Agena-D, 2 SRVs
Motor
Bell 8096, SPS
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 15 Jun 2025
Today’s highlights focus on the launch preparations for the Dragoon Mission, China’s seismo-electromagnetic satellite launch, NASA budget cut impacts, and a major expansion by American Pacific Corporation.
SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing on Starlink 17-22 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX attempts its 600th Falcon 9 booster landing during the Starlink 17-22 mission, adding 25 satellites from Vandenberg SFB.
Space Brief 4 Aug 2025
Key developments in space today include significant satellite launches, advancements in space technology, and an exciting crewed suborbital flight. Highlights cover China's satellite internet progress, a promising innovation for solar cells, and recent SpaceX and Blue Origin activities.
Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.
The Day a Rocket Changed Space Policy Forever
Thirty years ago, a Chinese rocket veered off course two seconds after liftoff, destroyed a village, and triggered a political scandal that reshaped how the United States controls space technology to this day
X Report 4 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with the launch of 28 Starlink satellites and the final landing of the LZ-1 pad, marking key moments in their ongoing mission to expand satellite connectivity.
Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.