Space Brief 24 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.
FLOCK 3P-85 (41983)
COSPAR: 2017-008AM | Alt Name: Flock 3p-85
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
41983
International Designator
2017-008AM
Decay Date
12/24/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 3P-85
Alternative Name
Flock 3p-85
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 3P-85 is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite launched by PLAN on February 15, 2017, from SRILR using the PSLV-XL launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.1 meters with a span of 0.3 meters. It carries an imaging payload (PS0, PS1 or PS2) for technology demonstration purposes. FLOCK 3P-85 has a dry mass of 4.7 kg, is powered by solar cells and batteries, and was designed to operate in orbit for approximately one year when deployed from the International Space Station (ISS), extending up to two to three years if placed 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
0.0724
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 0F1D
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.
Space Brief 2 Jun 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.
FCC Approves 7,500 More Starlink Satellites, SpaceX Wins $739M Launch Contract | KeepTrack X Report
FCC approves 7,500 additional Starlink Gen2 satellites. Space Force awards SpaceX $739M for nine national security launches. NASA plans Crew-11 medical evacuation from ISS on January 14.
Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
The Evolution of Space Stations
A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.
The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World
Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory
Artemis II Rolls Out to Pad 39B, China Hit by Dual Launch Failures | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis II SLS/Orion rolls to Launch Complex 39B for first crewed lunar mission since 1972. China suffers dual launch failures on the same day. SpainSat NG 2 declared total loss from debris strike.
Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA delays Artemis 2 for SLS upper stage fix and pad rollback. SpaceX Falcon 9 booster shatters reuse record with 33rd flight. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for defense work.