Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.
FLOCK 3P-20 (41950)
COSPAR: 2017-008C | Alt Name: Flock 3p-20
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 15, 2017
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41950
International Designator
2017-008C
Decay Date
3/4/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 3P-20
Alternative Name
Flock 3p-20
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 3P-20 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. It was launched on February 15, 2017, from SRILR Launch Site using PSLV-XL as the launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 0.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 0.3 meters. It weighs 4.7 kg both at launch and dry mass. Its primary purpose is technology demonstration and it carries an imaging payload designated as PS0, PS1 or PS2. FLOCK 3P-20 operates with solar cells and batteries for power supply and has a configuration described as Box+2 pan with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.068 m². The satellite is expected to have a lifetime of about one year in an ISS orbit or 2-3 years in sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
4.7
Launch Mass
4.7
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.068
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 1029
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
PLAN
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.
FAA Approves Starship Launches from LC-39A, FCC Accepts Orbital Data Center Filing | KeepTrack X Report
FAA approves SpaceX Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center LC-39A. FCC accepts 1-million satellite orbital data center filing. Canada ranks as 5th largest Starlink market.
X Report 29 Apr 2025
SpaceX achieves a significant milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, and Starlink eyes expansion into South Korea amid rising global demand for satellite internet. Meanwhile, Amazon's Project Kuiper launches its first operational mission, marking increased competition for Starlink.
The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong
The satellite industry's biggest operators are betting on multi-orbit architectures that combine LEO, MEO, and GEO into unified networks. A San Francisco startup called Contrivian thinks they've overcomplicated the problem, and the physics might be on its side.
Planet Delays Iran Imagery 14 Days Amid Regional Conflict | KeepTrack Space Brief
Planet Labs institutes 14-day delay on imagery covering Iran and Gulf States. Commercial remote sensing faces new operational security pressures as conflict escalates.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.
The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
Space Brief 29 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include Japan's new military satellite imagery initiative, NASA's SPHEREx map, and AST BlueBird 6's groundbreaking cellular array in low Earth orbit.