Space Brief 12 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers a groundbreaking national security mission for ULA's Vulcan, NASA's collaboration with LeoLabs for enhanced collision avoidance, and SEOPS' new satellite tracking services, among other key developments.
FLOCK 1E-9 (40736)
COSPAR: 1998-067GN | Alt Name: Flock 1e-9
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40736
International Designator
1998-067GN
Decay Date
2/8/2016
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 1E-9
Alternative Name
Flock 1e-9
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 1E-9, also known as Flock 1e-9, is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite manufactured by PLABS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from TYMSC LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 0.1 meter in diameter, and spans 0.3 meters with its solar panels deployed. With a dry mass of 4.5 kilograms and a launch mass of the same weight, it is equipped with PS0, PS1, or PS2 imaging payloads (Dove 0B1F) for technology demonstration purposes. Its operational lifetime ranges from about one year in an ISS orbit to two to three years in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). Power generation relies on solar cells and batteries, and its shape is described as a box with two panels. The satellite's radar cross-section (RCS) is 0.041 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
0.041
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0B1F
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.
US Agency Will Not Reinstate $900 Mln Subsidy for SpaceX Starlink Unit
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission reaffirms its decision to deny SpaceX's Starlink unit $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies, impacting the company's plans for expanding internet access.
Artemis II
Four astronauts, a patched-together heat shield, and a $50 billion question: whether NASA can still send humans beyond low Earth orbit. Tomorrow, we find out.
Space Brief 6 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers various military applications of climate-monitoring satellites, new defense strategies against unmanned threats, and the potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on orbit.
Space Brief 16 May 2025
Today's brief covers challenges in Space Force procurement, promising developments in tracking technologies, and significant budget cuts affecting military aerospace projects.
Space Brief 9 Jun 2025
Key space events for today include potential changes in US space policy involving SpaceX, uncertainties regarding NASA's Starliner, and China's new steps in asteroid exploration.
Space Brief 30 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking launches, Japan's final H-2A launch, and significant developments in satellite data policies impacting weather forecasting.
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.