X Report 18 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Sentinel-6B satellite to monitor global sea levels while resuming daytime rocket launches. Furthermore, delays in the Starship timeline impact NASA's Artemis 3 mission schedule.
FLOCK 1B-27 (40422)
COSPAR: 1998-067FN | Alt Name: Flock 1b-27
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
40422
International Designator
1998-067FN
Decay Date
10/14/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 1B-27
Alternative Name
Flock 1b-27
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 1B-27 is a CubeSat (3U) technology 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 satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and diameter and weighs 4.5 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, it carries a PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload known as Dove 0823. FLOCK 1B-27 is designed to operate primarily in low Earth orbits, with an expected lifetime of about one year in the International Space Station orbit and two to three years in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). It has a shape described as Box+2 pan with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.126 square meters.
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
0.126
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0823
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.
Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.
X Report 27 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites while facing new competition for its satellite programs, including potential alternatives for the Space Force.
10,168 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 Apr 2026
Current number of Starlink satellites in orbit April 2026: 10,168 working of 10,177 tracked, 11,724 launched. Fleet health tops 99.9%.
The Day Apollo 14 Restored NASA's Lunar Dreams
Fifty-four years ago, a Saturn V rocket lifted off carrying three astronauts determined to prove America could still reach the Moon after the near-disaster of Apollo 13
X Report 7 Apr 2025
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.
X Report 2 Mar 2025
Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.
NASA Announces First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation via SpaceX Crew Dragon | KeepTrack X Report
NASA plans first-ever medical evacuation from ISS using SpaceX Crew Dragon for Crew-11 astronaut. Starlink 6-96 mission scrubbed and rescheduled. Starbase Pad 1 tower and launch mount under review.