FLOCK 1-18 (39556)

COSPAR: 1998-067DZ | Alt Name: Flock 1-18

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 20, 1998

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

Pad 0A

Launch Vehicle

Antares 120

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

39556

International Designator

1998-067DZ

Decay Date

10/29/2014

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FLOCK 1-18

Alternative Name

Flock 1-18

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

PLABS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

FLOCK 1-18 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite owned and operated by Planet Labs (PLABS), originating from the United States. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (TYMSC) using an Antares 120 launch vehicle from Pad 0A. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.1 meters with a span of 0.3 meters. It has a dry mass of 4.25 kilograms, which is the same as its launch mass. Equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, FLOCK 1-18 carries an imaging payload designated as PS0, PS1, or PS2. Its purpose is technology demonstration, and it was designed to operate in orbit for approximately one year when placed in a low Earth orbit (LEO), and potentially up to three years when in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The satellite has no propulsion system except for certain variants that may incorporate Field Effect Electric Propulsion (FEEP) technology.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.3

Diameter

0.1

Span

0.3

Dry Mass

4.25

Launch Mass

4.25

Shape

Box+2 pan

Radar Cross Section

0.06

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Dove 0734

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

PLABS

Life Expectancy

~ 1 year (ISS orbit); 2-3 years (SSO)

Bus

Cubesat 3U

Configuration

CubeSat (3U)

Motor

None (most); FEEP (#Flock-3p')

Equipment

PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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