X Report 15 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the ISS, marking a significant advancement in cargo delivery capabilities.
FLOCK 2B-13 (40979)
COSPAR: 1998-067HM | Alt Name: Flock 2b-13
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Y2
Launch Vehicle
H-IIB
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40979
International Designator
1998-067HM
Decay Date
10/11/2016
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 2B-13
Alternative Name
Flock 2b-13
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLABS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 2B-13 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite owned by PLABS and operated for technology demonstration purposes. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from TYMSC launch site using the H-IIB launch vehicle at pad Y2. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 0.1 meters, and spans 0.3 meters. Its dry mass is 5 kg, identical to its launch mass. Equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload, it uses solar cells and batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape consists of a box with two panels and has a reflectivity (RCS) of 0.065. Its expected lifetime ranges from approximately one year in the International Space Station orbit to 2-3 years in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
5
Launch Mass
5
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.065
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0C74
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.
Space Brief 3 Apr 2025
Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.
Falcon 9 Booster B1067 Flies Record 35th Time | KeepTrack X Report
Booster B1067 set a Falcon 9 reuse record on its 35th flight, lofting 29 Starlink satellites as SpaceX eyes three more launches this week.
Shenzhou-23 Docks at Tiangong; Crew Member Targets 1-Year Stay | KeepTrack Space Brief
Shenzhou-23 docked with Tiangong May 24 with 3 astronauts, including Hong Kong's first crew member. One will stay ~1 year in orbit.
Understanding Earth's Orbits and Their Applications
Explore the dynamic realms of Earth's orbits, from LEO to GEO, unraveling the crucial roles they play in global communication, navigation, and surveillance.
The Pentagon's Mystery Spaceplane Takes Off
On April 22, 2010, an Atlas V lifted off from Cape Canaveral carrying a reusable robotic spaceplane so secret that the Air Force would not even confirm its mission duration. It came back 224 days later, lighter, quieter, and more operational than anyone outside Washington had expected. Fifteen years later, the X-37B is still flying, and the military still will not say what it does.
Space Brief 5 Nov 2025
Today's focus: Sidus Space's new AI edge computer, Space Force's dynamic operations initiative, and key Pentagon acquisition reforms.
Space Brief 20 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the nomination of a new Space Force leader, partnership efforts by Lockheed, Sweden's defense budget delay, Israeli military actions, Proba-3's imaging breakthrough, and Starlink's license to operate in India.