Space Brief 18 Oct 2024
Explore exciting updates on satellite reentries impacting Earth's atmosphere, China's ambitious space exploration plans, and the latest advancements in the search for extraterrestrial life.
FLOCK 3K-4 (43893)
COSPAR: 2018-111T | Alt Name: Flock 3k-4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 27, 2018
Launch Site
VOSTO
Launch Pad
PU1S
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43893
International Designator
2018-111T
Decay Date
12/29/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 3K-4
Alternative Name
Flock 3k-4
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 3K-4, also known as Flock 3k-4, is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. Launched on December 27, 2018, from VOSTO using Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle, this satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and a span of 0.3 meters. It has a dry mass and launch mass of 4.7 kilograms each and is equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload named Dove 1063 for its mission. The satellite uses solar cells and batteries for power and is expected to operate for about 1 year in an ISS orbit and between 2-3 years in a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). Its shape consists of a box with two panels.
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 1063
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 20 Feb 2025
SpaceX and Rocket Lab make headlines with simultaneous launches, while Musk's Starliner comments stir controversy.
Seismic Networks Now Track Space Junk, Pentagon Faces Golden Dome Cost Challenges | KeepTrack Space Brief
Johns Hopkins researchers use seismic networks to track space debris in near real-time. Pentagon faces Golden Dome production scale challenges. SpaceX launches 25 Starlink sats in seventh 2026 mission.
Space Brief 30 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Jun 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16 billion Space Force satellite contract to track airborne threats worldwide, while dual-pad launches add 53 Starlink satellites.
X Report 6 Oct 2025
SpaceX gears up for its 11th Starship test flight, while Starlink expands connectivity through partnerships with T-Mobile, enhancing app functionality beyond cellular coverage.
X Report 19 Nov 2024
Starship Flight 6 approaches with a daring booster catch, while SpaceX ramps up satellite launches and navigates regulatory challenges.
X Report 15 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.