Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights a Starlink satellite launch, an OpTech optical sensor contract for the Space Force, and a unique STEM experiment involving space-flown seeds.
FLOCK 3R-7 (43742)
COSPAR: 2018-096Z | Alt Name: Flock 3r-7
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 29, 2018
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43742
International Designator
2018-096Z
Decay Date
11/19/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 3R-7
Alternative Name
Flock 3r-7
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 3R-7, also known as Flock 3r-7, is a CubeSat (3U) satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. It was launched on November 29, 2018, from SRILR using the PSLV launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and a span of 0.3 meters. Its dry mass is 4.7 kilograms, which matches its launch mass. FLOCK 3R-7 is equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload technology and is powered by solar cells and batteries. The satellite's mission focuses on technology applications, and it has a predicted lifetime of approximately one year in an ISS orbit but can last between two to three years in a 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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 1058
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.
X Report 14 Nov 2025
SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.
The Details of Apollo 1
How a catastrophic fire in 1967 fundamentally altered NASA's approach to human spaceflight and continues to influence modern spacecraft design
FAA Advances Approval for 44 Starship Launches From Pad 39A | KeepTrack X Report
FAA advances environmental review for up to 44 Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A. SpaceX wraps January with dual-coast Starlink launches. Crew-12 timeline tied to Artemis 2 schedule.
Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up
Russia's Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system was purpose-built to jam Starlink. It costs around $1.5 million per unit, covers just 20 square kilometers, and can only target one satellite at a time. Ukraine has been finding and destroying them within days of deployment.
X Report 2 Feb 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 43 Starlink satellites across two missions, marking significant achievements at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Bases.
Space Brief 29 Apr 2025
Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.