Space Brief 22 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's record year, setbacks in Japanese space endeavors, secure communication advancements in orbit, and more updates on martian expeditions.
FLOCK 4A-8 (44092)
COSPAR: 2019-018Q | Alt Name: Flock 4a-8
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 1, 2019
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
SLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-QL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44092
International Designator
2019-018Q
Decay Date
5/5/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4A-8
Alternative Name
Flock 4a-8
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The FLOCK 4A-8 satellite, also known as Flock 4a-8, is a CubeSat (3U) technology demonstration satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. It was launched on April 1, 2019, from SRILR using PSLV-QL launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meter and spans 0.3 meters, featuring a box shape with two panels. Weighing approximately 5.7 kg at launch, it is equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload (Dove 2213), solar cells for power generation, and batteries to store energy. The satellite was designed to operate in low Earth orbit, with an expected lifetime of about one year in ISS orbit and up to two to three years in a sun-synchronous orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
5.7
Launch Mass
5.7
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dove 2213
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 5 Dec 2025
Focusing on military satellite initiatives, defense strategies, and advancements in air and cyber capabilities
X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
Space Brief 25 May 2025
Today's brief covers crucial developments in satellite technology and operations, including new Starlink launches, groundbreaking satellite data on flood waves, and pivotal changes in South African telecom policy driven by Starlink.
Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.
Space Brief 24 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China's latest satellite launch, Russian threats to UK satellites, European defense strategies, and upcoming satellite launches from SatLeo and Quantum Space.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's AI integration, new naming conventions for satellites, and updates on military and satellite acquisition strategies.
Space Force Eyes Space Tugs, On-Orbit Refueling by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force commits to operational space tugs and on-orbit refueling by 2030. New capabilities will complicate conjunction analysis for GEO and MEO satellite tracking.