Australian Space Centre Cape York
When your landlord won't sign the lease, you move. How Equatorial Launch Australia abandoned Arnhem Land and pivoted to Queensland - and what it means for Australia's equatorial launch ambitions.
GRAIL-B (FLOW) (37802)
COSPAR: 2011-046B | Alt Name: Flow
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 10, 2011
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
37802
International Designator
2011-046B
Decay Date
12/17/2012
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GRAIL-B (FLOW)
Alternative Name
Flow
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
GRAIL-B (FLOW) is a satellite launched on September 10, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC17B pad using a Delta 7920H launch vehicle. It was manufactured by LMSSD and operated by JPL for the purpose of lunar gravity field mapping. The spacecraft measures 1.1 meters in length with a diameter of 0.8 meters, and it has a span of 1.1 meters as well. Its dry mass is 201 kilograms while its launch mass was 307 kilograms. It uses two deployable fixed solar arrays for power along with batteries to support the mission. The satellite’s shape is described as Box + 2 Pan, and it was designed under the LM-300 configuration. GRAIL-B operated for a lifetime of 270 days in its mission.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.1
Diameter
0.8
Span
1.1
Dry Mass
201
Launch Mass
307
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GRAIL B
Purpose
Lunar gravity field mapping
Mission
Lunar gravity field mapping
Manufacturer
LMSSD
Life Expectancy
270 days
Bus
GRAIL
Configuration
LM-300
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 27 May 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights advances in satellite communication for defense, regulatory changes for Starlink in South Africa, SpaceX's ongoing Starlink launches, and a significant contract for a Chinese satellite constellation.
The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World
Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory
Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.
China Files Plans for 200,000-Satellite Megaconstellation With ITU | KeepTrack Space Brief
China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites. SpaceX launches first rideshare mission of 2026 from Vandenberg. NASA plans ISS crew medical evacuation.
X Report 4 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to push forward with significant milestones, including the launch of additional Starlink satellites and progress on spectrum acquisitions.
Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
The Day Discovery Took Her Final Flight
Fourteen years ago, Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into orbit one last time, carrying a robot astronaut and capping a remarkable 27-year career that revolutionized space exploration