Space Brief 26 Nov 2025
Today's update covers new military space initiatives, impacts of drone threats in Europe, and advancements in secure cloud technology for NATO and Ukraine.
FLOCK 4A-9 (44098)
COSPAR: 2019-018W | Alt Name: Flock 4a-9
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
44098
International Designator
2019-018W
Decay Date
5/13/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4A-9
Alternative Name
Flock 4a-9
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 4A-9 is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite owned by PLAN and manufactured in the US. It was launched on April 1, 2019, from SRILR using the PSLV-QL launch vehicle with the purpose of conducting technological experiments and imaging through its PS0, PS1 or PS2 payload. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and width, spans 0.3 meters, and has a dry mass of 5.7 kg. It is powered by solar cells and batteries and equipped with Dove 2224 equipment for its mission operations. Its expected lifetime varies from about one year in an ISS orbit to two to three years in sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
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 2224
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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