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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

KENNEN 5

Re-entered 13 Aug 1985

KENNEN 5 (NORAD 13659, COSPAR 1982-111A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Aug 1985, launched on 17 Nov 1982 on the KH11-5 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.

1982
launched
1985
re-entered
3
years on orbit
8,556
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Nov 1982 · on the KH11-5 KENNAN mission
Operational13 Aug 1985 · entered service
Retired13 Aug 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Aug 1985 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID13659
COSPAR1982-111A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusKH-11
Mass8,556 kg
ProgrammeKH-11
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude271 × 454 km
Inclination97.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to KENNEN 5?

KENNEN 5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Aug 1985, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1982. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did KENNEN 5 re-enter the atmosphere?

KENNEN 5 re-entered on 13 Aug 1985, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built KENNEN 5?

KENNEN 5 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.