Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
FLOCK 4S-9 (47478)
COSPAR: 2021-006BT | Alt Name: Flock 4s-9
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47478
International Designator
2021-006BT
Decay Date
11/7/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4S-9
Alternative Name
Flock 4s-9
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FLOCK 4S-9, also known as Flock 4s-9, is a CubeSat (3U) satellite manufactured by PLAN and launched on January 24, 2021, from the AFETR launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and diameter with a span of 0.3 meters and has a dry mass of 5.7 kilograms, identical to its launch mass. Equipped with imaging payloads such as PS0, PS1 or PS2, the satellite is powered by solar cells and batteries and serves technology demonstration purposes. Its operational lifetime varies depending on orbit type: approximately one year in ISS orbits and two to three years in Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO). The satellite has a box shape with two panels and no motor unless specified for certain variants like #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 2447
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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