FLOCK 3P-53 (42013)

COSPAR: 2017-008BT | Alt Name: Flock 3p-53
DECAYED

Image
FLOCK 3P-53 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 15, 2017

Launch Site

SRILR

Launch Pad

FLP

Launch Vehicle

PSLV-XL

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

42013

International Designator

2017-008BT

Decay Date

12/9/2022

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FLOCK 3P-53

Alternative Name

Flock 3p-53

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

PLAN

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
FLOCK 3P-53 is a CubeSat (3U) satellite operated by PLAN and was launched on February 15, 2017, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre using a PSLV-XL launch vehicle. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and a span of 0.3 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 4.7 kilograms and is equipped with imaging payload options such as PS0, PS1 or PS2 for technology demonstration purposes. FLOCK 3P-53 relies on solar cells and batteries for power and features a box shape with two panels. It was designed to operate in low Earth orbit for approximately one year if placed in an International Space Station (ISS) orbit or up to 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

0.063

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Dove 1007

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.

The Day America Shot Down Its Own Spy Satellite

The Day America Shot Down Its Own Spy Satellite

Seventeen years ago, a Navy cruiser in the Pacific fired a missile at a tumbling reconnaissance satellite that had failed within hours of reaching orbit - officially to prevent toxic fuel from reaching the ground, unofficially to prove something far more significant to China and the world

Space Brief 8 Jul 2025

Space Brief 8 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.

X Report 26 Nov 2025

X Report 26 Nov 2025

This edition highlights SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starship in light of recent developments, a busy launch week featuring multiple missions, and the latest updates on Starlink's operational status.

Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.

X Report 24 Jun 2025

X Report 24 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-14 mission, adding multiple payloads, including Canadian satellites and a memorial capsule, while Starlink expands its services in Vietnam and enhances T-Mobile's reach.

SpaceX and Starlink

SpaceX and Starlink

This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.

X Report 1 Jun 2025

X Report 1 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites, marking another milestone for its broadband internet service. Meanwhile, the latest GPS III satellite was also launched for the U.S. military, showcasing SpaceX's multifaceted capabilities.

X Report 14 Mar 2025

X Report 14 Mar 2025

SpaceX advances pre-launch tests amid Starlink deployment surge and strategic expansions in Texas.