Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
FLOCK 4V-23 (46737)
COSPAR: 2020-061BM | Alt Name: Flock 4v-23
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46737
International Designator
2020-061BM
Decay Date
11/9/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4V-23
Alternative Name
Flock 4v-23
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 4V-23, also known as Flock 4v-23, is a CubeSat (3U) technology satellite launched by PLAN on September 3, 2020, from the FRGUI site using a Vega launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3m in length and diameter, with a span of 0.3m. The satellite's dry mass and launch mass are both 5.7 kg. Equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload, it serves the purpose of technology demonstration and is powered by solar cells and batteries. Launched into an orbit where its lifetime is expected to be about 1 year in ISS orbit but can extend up to 2-3 years in a 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 2401
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.
Hayabusa | The Crippled Falcon That Carried an Asteroid Home
Sixteen years ago today, a fireball tore across the Australian outback. Most of it was a dying Japanese spacecraft burning up after a seven-year ordeal. The bright dot racing ahead of the wreckage was a capsule holding the first grains of an asteroid ever returned to Earth.
Space Brief 17 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.
X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
Space Brief 21 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief covers SpaceX's recent launch for OneWeb, advances in remote-control robots for lunar missions, the power loss of Intelsat 33e, and developments in inflatable space habitats.
Space Brief 11 Nov 2024
SpaceX gears up for a Starlink launch from Florida amid ongoing space policy discussions. A closer look at the OneWeb satellite series in our Satellite Spotlight.
Space Brief 15 Sep 2025
Discover the latest in satellite tracking with key topics covering the launch of Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency, a record-setting Transporter-15 mission by Exolaunch, and new defense-focused satellite connectivity solutions by Satlink and Rivada.
X Report 24 Dec 2024
SpaceX advances with Bandwagon-2 mission, gains approval for Starship Flight 7, and continues Starlink expansion.