Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
FLOCK 4V-9 (46282)
COSPAR: 2020-061L | Alt Name: Flock 4v-9
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46282
International Designator
2020-061L
Decay Date
4/21/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4V-9
Alternative Name
Flock 4v-9
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The FLOCK 4V-9 satellite, also known as Flock 4v-9, is a CubeSat (3U) technology demonstration satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. It was launched on September 3, 2020, from the Guiana Space Center using a Vega launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and has a span of 0.3 meters. Its dry mass is 5.7 kilograms, which is identical to its launch mass. FLOCK 4V-9 is equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payloads and powered by solar cells and batteries. The satellite’s shape consists of a box with two panels, and it operates in either an ISS orbit (~1 year lifetime) or SSO (2-3 years lifetime). It does not have any motor systems except for the FEEP variant (#Flock-3p').
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 2419
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 23 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Canada's and Australia's investment in hypersonic defense, China's successful test of an inflatable space module, and Sweden's support of Ukrainian missile and drone production.
JSC Vimpel
An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network
Starship Flight 13 to Debut First Starlink V3 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 for July 16 launch to deploy first Starlink V3 satellites as Falcon 9 logs its 600th booster reuse.
A Tribute to Albert Einstein
Ask anyone on the street who the smartest person ever was, and most will say Albert Einstein. Exactly 71 years ago today, this genius departed from the world. Today, we examine Einstein's innumerable contributions to astronomy and how he shaped space history for years to come.
Intel Partners on Musk's Terafab AI Chip Fab | KeepTrack X Report
Intel joins Terafab, Elon Musk's Austin AI chip complex, to supply SpaceX and Tesla as Falcon 9 prepares a Cygnus ISS run.
The Day Opportunity Changed Our View of Mars Forever
Twenty-one years ago, a golf cart-sized rover bounced to a stop inside a small crater on Mars, beginning one of the most remarkable chapters in space exploration history
Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.