Space Brief 16 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.
Launch Date
February 15, 2017
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-XL
NORAD ID
42031
International Designator
2017-008CM
Decay Date
2/28/2023
Name
FLOCK 3P-46
Alternative Name
Flock 3p-46
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
0.0631
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Dove 1011
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
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