FLOCK 2K-18 (42887)

COSPAR: 2017-042BQ | Alt Name: Flock 2k-18
DECAYED

Image
FLOCK 2K-18 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 14, 2017

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-2-1A

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

42887

International Designator

2017-042BQ

Decay Date

7/8/2022

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FLOCK 2K-18

Alternative Name

Flock 2k-18

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

PLAN

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
FLOCK 2K-18 is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite owned and operated by PLAN (Planet Labs). Launched on July 14, 2017, from the Tyuratam Space Center, LC31, using a Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle, this satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 0.1 meters, and weighs 4.7 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload (Dove 0F44), it operates primarily using solar cells and batteries for power. The mission's purpose is technology demonstration and it has an expected lifetime of about one year in the ISS orbit and two to three years in a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The satellite features a box shape with two panels and does not include propulsion systems, except for some variants which may use FEEP (#Flock-3p').
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 0F44

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 Jan 2025

Space Brief 2 Jan 2025

Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.

X Report 6 Apr 2025

X Report 6 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission lands in the Pacific, SpaceX secures U.S. military contracts, and Starlink expands with latest satellite launch.

Space Brief 17 Sep 2024

Space Brief 17 Sep 2024

Today's Space Brief covers crucial satellite events including upcoming launches, military space developments, and exceptional celestial sightings.

X Report 23 May 2025

X Report 23 May 2025

The FAA has approved Starship Flight 9, paving the way for an upcoming test launch, while SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS after weather delays.

X Report 21 Mar 2025

X Report 21 Mar 2025

SpaceX achieves a historic rocket reuse milestone and successfully launches NRO satellites, alongside charming interactions during Crew-9 Dragon recovery.

GPS III SV10 | The Last of Its Kind, and the First of What Comes Next

GPS III SV10 | The Last of Its Kind, and the First of What Comes Next

On April 21, 2026, the tenth and final GPS Block III satellite reached medium Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. Named for Hedy Lamarr, the actress whose 1942 frequency-hopping patent underpins modern GPS, SV10 closes a procurement that took eight years to deliver hardware and opens the optical-crosslink era that will define the constellation's next decade.

X Report 18 Apr 2025

X Report 18 Apr 2025

Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.

Space Brief 21 Dec 2025

Space Brief 21 Dec 2025

Today's briefing highlights the SDA's significant satellite award, Blue Origin's groundbreaking flight, and NASA's call for an Artemis review.