Space Brief 29 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights emerging technologies in space, a contract for U.S. Space Force missions, developments in military operations, and updates on drone advancements.
FLOCK 2B-4 (40953)
COSPAR: 1998-067HE | Alt Name: Flock 2b-4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Y2
Launch Vehicle
H-IIB
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40953
International Designator
1998-067HE
Decay Date
10/17/2016
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 2B-4
Alternative Name
Flock 2b-4
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 2B-4 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite, designated by NORAD CAT ID 40953 and OBJECT ID 1998-067HE, manufactured by PLABS for technology demonstration purposes. Launched on November 20, 1998, from TYMSC using the H-IIB launch vehicle, this satellite is owned by PLABS and has a dry mass of 5 kg. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and spans 0.3 meters across. Equipped with either PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload known as Dove 0C72, FLOCK 2B-4 utilizes solar cells and batteries for power. Its stable date is October 6, 2015, and it has a lifetime of approximately 1 year in the ISS orbit or 2 to 3 years in SSO. The satellite's shape is described as Box+2 pan with a RCS value of 0.076.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
5
Launch Mass
5
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.076
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0C72
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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