HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesKENNEN 2
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

KENNEN 2

Re-entered 23 Aug 1981

KENNEN 2 (NORAD 10947, COSPAR 1978-060A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Aug 1981, launched on 14 Jun 1978 on the KH11-2 KENNAN mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the KH-11 programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the KH-11 bus, with a mass of 8,556 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1978
launched
1981
re-entered
3
years on orbit
8,556
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Jun 1978 · on the KH11-2 KENNAN mission
Operational23 Aug 1981 · entered service
Retired23 Aug 1981 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Aug 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10947
COSPAR1978-060A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusKH-11
Mass8,556 kg
ProgrammeKH-11
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude270 × 483 km
Inclination96.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to KENNEN 2?

KENNEN 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Aug 1981, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1978. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did KENNEN 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

KENNEN 2 re-entered on 23 Aug 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built KENNEN 2?

KENNEN 2 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by TRW (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.