Space Brief 8 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.
Launch Date
February 15, 2017
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-XL
NORAD ID
41960
International Designator
2017-008N
Decay Date
2/1/2023
Name
FLOCK 3P-28
Alternative Name
Flock 3p-28
Type
Status
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
4.7
Launch Mass
4.7
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.059
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Dove 102C
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.
SpaceX's ongoing challenges with the Starship Flight 10 launch are prominent today, as weather and technical issues continue to push back the schedule. Meanwhile, successful cargo missions to the ISS highlight the company's ongoing commitment to space operations.
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.
On 21 June 2004, a 63-year-old test pilot rode a homebuilt rocket plane to 100,124 meters above the Mojave Desert, clearing the edge of space by about the length of a city block. He came down the first private astronaut in history, holding a sign that read 'SpaceShipOne, GovernmentZero.'
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8B to challenge SpaceX, whose Starlink constellation holds 10,706 working satellites of 12,390 launched.
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites while facing new competition for its satellite programs, including potential alternatives for the Space Force.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 lofts 11,000 lbs aboard Cygnus NG-24 to the ISS as Amazon pushes Leo's commercial debut to mid-2026.
SpaceX prepares for a monumental sixth Starship test flight while achieving a historic Falcon 9 booster landing. Meanwhile, a Starlink satellite lights up the night sky as it reenters Earth's atmosphere.