FLOCK 2E-4 (41487)

COSPAR: 1998-067JH | Alt Name: Flock 2e-4
DECAYED

Image
FLOCK 2E-4 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 20, 1998

Launch Pad

SLC41

Launch Vehicle

Atlas V 401

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

41487

International Designator

1998-067JH

Decay Date

3/11/2018

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FLOCK 2E-4

Alternative Name

Flock 2e-4

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

PLABS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
FLOCK 2E-4 (also known as Flock 2e-4) is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite operated by PLABS in the United States. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from the T.Y.M.S.C. launch site at SLC41 using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.1 meters with a span of 0.3 meters. Its dry mass is 5 kilograms, identical to its launch mass. Equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload (Dove 0C41), it relies on solar cells and batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as box+2 pan, and it has a reflective surface area of 0.081 square meters. Its mission is to conduct technology demonstrations in space with an expected lifetime of approximately one year when in the ISS orbit and two to three 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

0.081

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Dove 0C41

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.

SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing on Starlink 17-22 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing on Starlink 17-22 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX attempts its 600th Falcon 9 booster landing during the Starlink 17-22 mission, adding 25 satellites from Vandenberg SFB.

The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build

The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build

For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.

Space Brief 30 Nov 2025

Space Brief 30 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include Europe's record space budget for independence, Transporter-15's successful launch of 140 payloads, and the damage to the Baikonur pad affecting upcoming ISS missions.

Space Brief 17 Sep 2024

Space Brief 17 Sep 2024

Today's Space Brief covers crucial satellite events including upcoming launches, military space developments, and exceptional celestial sightings.

China's iSpace Raises Record $729M for Reusable Rockets | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's iSpace Raises Record $729M for Reusable Rockets | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's iSpace secures record $729M for reusable rocket development. SpaceX launches Crew-12 and lands booster at new LZ-40 pad. Startup bets on space-based missile defense.

The Bomb That NASA Built by Accident

The Bomb That NASA Built by Accident

An overlooked thermostat, eight hours of overheating on a Florida launch pad, and 200,000 miles of coasting through deep space. Then Oxygen Tank No. 2 tore itself apart, and three men had to figure out how to come home alive in a spacecraft designed to land on the Moon.

The Day We Banned the Word "Film"

The Day We Banned the Word "Film"

On January 20, 1972, the second KH-9 HEXAGON lifted off from Vandenberg - carrying the most sophisticated reconnaissance system ever built by engineers who weren't allowed to say 'film,' 'camera,' or even talk to each other about what they were doing.

X Report 26 Jul 2025

X Report 26 Jul 2025

This week's SpaceX developments include notable upcoming missions, with a Starlink launch on the horizon and Crew Dragon's readiness for the next astronaut mission.