Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
FLOCK 2K-31 (42869)
COSPAR: 2017-042AW | Alt Name: Flock 2k-31
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 14, 2017
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42869
International Designator
2017-042AW
Decay Date
5/27/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 2K-31
Alternative Name
Flock 2k-31
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 2K-31 is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. Launched on July 14, 2017, from LC31 at TYMSC using the Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle, it weighs approximately 4.7 kg with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 0.1 meter diameter, and spans 0.3 meters. It is equipped with a Dove 104A imaging payload and powered by solar cells and batteries. The mission purpose is technology demonstration, with an expected lifetime of about one year in ISS orbit or two to three years in SSO (Sun-Synchronous Orbit).
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 104A
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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