Space Brief 14 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Y2
Launch Vehicle
H-IIB
NORAD ID
40963
International Designator
1998-067HL
Decay Date
10/16/2016
Name
FLOCK 2B-9
Alternative Name
Flock 2b-9
Type
Status
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
5
Launch Mass
5
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.071
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Dove 0C68
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
SpaceX's Starlink V2 promises 100x data density for 5G direct-to-phone service. Deutsche Telekom targets 10 European countries by 2028.
Key developments include political attention on SpaceX's ISS crew return and competition forecasts between SpaceX and ULA for national security missions.
SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-14 mission, adding multiple payloads, including Canadian satellites and a memorial capsule, while Starlink expands its services in Vietnam and enhances T-Mobile's reach.
Booster B1067 sets a new Falcon 9 reuse record on its 36th flight, lifting Starlink 10-42 from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. EDT.
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.
SpaceX makes strides in various sectors, from Starlink expanding services on United Airlines to new hardware aimed at enhancing home connectivity.
SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence by deploying 28 Starlink satellites while expanding its service with collaborations such as United Airlines and Entel in Chile.