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Today's brief covers new military space funding, intriguing scientific discoveries, and defense contracts impacting global military strategies.
FLOCK 4Y-8 (55071)
COSPAR: 2023-001BQ | Alt Name: Flock 4y-8
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55071
International Designator
2023-001BQ
Decay Date
5/6/2025
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4Y-8
Alternative Name
Flock 4y-8
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The FLOCK 4Y-8 satellite, also known as Flock 4y-8, is a CubeSat (3U) technology demonstration satellite launched by Planetary Labs (PLAN) on January 3, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), Launch Complex 40 (LC40). It was carried into space aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 0.3 meters, and it weighs 5.7 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Equipped with either PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload (Dove 24ab), FLOCK 4Y-8 uses solar cells and batteries for power supply. It has a box shape with two panels and is designed to operate in Low Earth Orbit for approximately one year if deployed at ISS orbit or up 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 24ab
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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