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Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
FLOCK 4X-27 (51012)
COSPAR: 2022-002AE | Alt Name: Flock 4x-27
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 13, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51012
International Designator
2022-002AE
Decay Date
3/20/2024
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4X-27
Alternative Name
Flock 4x-27
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The FLOCK 4X-27 satellite, also known as Flock 4x-27, is a Cubesat 3U satellite owned and manufactured by PLAN in the United States. It was launched on January 13, 2022, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters length, 0.1 meters diameter, and spans 0.3 meters with a shape described as "Box+2 pan". It weighs 5.7 kg both dry and at launch. Equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, it carries an imaging payload (PS0, PS1 or PS2) designed for technology demonstration purposes. The expected operational lifetime varies from approximately one year in the International Space Station 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 2474
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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