X Report 22 Dec 2025
SpaceX celebrates a year of industry milestones, including the successful deployment of Starlink satellites and innovative advancements in rocket technology.
FLOCK 1B-17 (40140)
COSPAR: 1998-067FF | Alt Name: Flock 1b-17
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
40140
International Designator
1998-067FF
Decay Date
3/4/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 1B-17
Alternative Name
Flock 1b-17
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 1B-17, also known as Flock 1b-17, is a CubeSat (3U) satellite manufactured by PLABS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from TYMSC Pad 0A using an Antares 120 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 0.3 meters, and carries either PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload under the name Dove 081E. Its dry mass is recorded at 4.5 kg, the same as its launch mass. Equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, it serves technology demonstration purposes. The satellite's operational life expectancy is about one year in an ISS orbit and 2-3 years in a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). It was stabilized by September 5, 2014.
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
0.085
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 081E
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.
X Report 10 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites, bolstering its broadband network and expanding global internet coverage.
Space Brief 4 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers a surprise launch by Israel, a milestone missile contract for Lockheed Martin, and updates on Indian missile defense strategies.
Space Brief 23 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Canada's and Australia's investment in hypersonic defense, China's successful test of an inflatable space module, and Sweden's support of Ukrainian missile and drone production.
X Report 31 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the ongoing Crew-11 mission launch and Starship preparations for its upcoming test flight.
Space Brief 7 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include significant legal disputes in military satellite contracts, strategic investments in the defense space sector, and updates on major military budget developments impacting space capabilities.
Space Brief 2 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.
X Report 18 Dec 2025
SpaceX carried out a double-header Starlink launch from both coasts while milestones from Max Space and Lux Aeterna signal growth in the commercial space sector.