Space Brief 2 May 2025
Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.
FLOCK 1B-11 (40459)
COSPAR: 1998-067GC | Alt Name: Flock 1b-11
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
40459
International Designator
1998-067GC
Decay Date
9/7/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 1B-11
Alternative Name
Flock 1b-11
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 1B-11, also known as Flock 1b-11, is a CubeSat (3U) satellite launched on November 20, 1998, from the TYSMC launch site using an Antares 120 vehicle. Manufactured by PLABS and owned by the same entity, this satellite has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 0.1 meters, and span of 0.3 meters with a dry mass and launch mass both at 4.5 kilograms. It is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power and carries an imaging payload known as Dove 0815. Its shape is described as Box+2 pan and its primary purpose is technology demonstration. The satellite's expected lifetime varies between about one year in ISS orbit to two to three years in SSO, based on the provided data.
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
0.1096
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0815
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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