Lagrange Points
Five spots in the Earth-Sun system where the gravitational tug of two massive bodies and the pull of circular motion all cancel out, creating gravitational parking spaces where spacecraft can sit for decades with almost no fuel.
FLOCK 3P-41 (42004)
COSPAR: 2017-008BJ | Alt Name: Flock 3p-41
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
42004
International Designator
2017-008BJ
Decay Date
12/19/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 3P-41
Alternative Name
Flock 3p-41
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 3P-41 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite operated by PLAN for technology demonstration purposes. Launched on February 15, 2017, from SRILR using the PSLV-XL launch vehicle, it measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.1 meters. The dry mass is 4.7 kilograms, identical to its launch mass. Equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload as part of its Dove 1031 mission, the satellite's power comes from solar cells and batteries. It features a box shape with two panels and has an RCS (Reflective Coefficient Surface) value of 0.0557. The expected lifetime is approximately one year in ISS orbit or 2-3 years in 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
0.0557
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 1031
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.
SpaceX Preps Starlink 6-96 Launch, Starship TPS Testing Continues at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starlink 6-96 launch of 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral. Thermal Protection System evaluations underway at Starbase for next Starship prototypes. SpaceX IPO expected to reshape market.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.
Space Brief 19 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights significant developments in space defense, innovation fund challenges, and international defense agreements impacting satellite utilities.
Starlink Constellation Size Nears 10,000, X Report 16 Mar 2026
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.
X Report 15 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.
X Report 14 Feb 2025
Starship testing progresses at the Cape; Lynk Global secures funding amidst rising satellite competition.
X Report 27 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for two major Starlink launches, while regulatory challenges slow progress in India.