Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
FLOCK 1B-24 (40122)
COSPAR: 1998-067EU | Alt Name: Flock 1b-24
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Pad 0A
Launch Vehicle
Antares 120
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40122
International Designator
1998-067EU
Decay Date
3/15/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 1B-24
Alternative Name
Flock 1b-24
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 1B-24 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite built by PLABS for technology demonstration purposes. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from the TYMSC launch site using an Antares 120 launch vehicle and operated until around August 19, 2014. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 0.3 meters, and weighs 4.5 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. It is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power and carries either PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload known as Dove 0801. The satellite has a shape described as "Box+2 pan" and a reflective surface area (RCS) of 0.1135 square meters. Its operational lifetime was approximately one year in the International Space Station orbit and between two to three years in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
4.5
Launch Mass
4.5
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.1135
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0801
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe
Forty-seven years ago, a revolutionary space telescope changed our view of the cosmos, pioneering international cooperation in space-based astronomy
Space Brief 14 Mar 2025
Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.
SpaceX Absorbs xAI in History's Largest Private Merger | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX officially merged with Elon Musk's xAI under the SpaceXAI brand, while a Falcon 9 lofted 81 rideshare payloads from Vandenberg on July 7.
SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.
X Report 28 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues its ambitious satellite deployment schedule with two successful Starlink launches in just 24 hours, enhancing global connectivity.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.