Space Brief 12 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers significant events including launch delays for SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, BepiColombo's landmark Mercury flyby, and the impact of Los Angeles fires on the space community.
FLOCK 4BE-24 (60505)
COSPAR: 2024-149AP | Alt Name: Flock 4be-24
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60505
International Designator
2024-149AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:36:00 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.37°
Right Ascension
285.61°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
156.61°
Period
93.25 min
Mean Motion
15.44 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FLOCK 4BE-24
Alternative Name
Flock 4be-24
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
PLAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60505U 24149AP 26200.77500975 .00011971 00000+0 26253-3 0 9995
2 60505 97.3698 285.6097 0005349 156.6131 203.5362 15.44211543107392
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The FLOCK 4BE-24 satellite, also known as Flock 4be-24, is a CubeSat (3U) technology demonstration satellite manufactured by PLAN and owned by the same entity. Launched on August 16, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs 5.7 kilograms both dry and at launch. The satellite is equipped with PS0, PS1 or PS2 imaging payload and features solar cells for power generation along with batteries. Its shape consists of a box structure with two panels, measuring 0.3 meters in length, 0.1 meters in diameter, and having the same span as its length. FLOCK 4BE-24 is designed to operate in ISS orbit for approximately one year or up to 2-3 years in SSO (Sun-Synchronous Orbit).
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 2514
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
DROID.002 - Turion Space's Eyes on the Orbital Junkyard
A 90-kilogram spacecraft with iodine thrusters and two Australian-built cameras is quietly building the case that tracking space debris is a business worth billions - and that a four-year-old startup from Irvine can own it.
X Report 2 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 60th mission of the year, deploying 27 Starlink satellites from California. The company continues to hit milestones, confirming its dominance in spaceflight as Elon Musk acknowledges the achievement. Spire also expands its partnership with Deloitte to enhance cybersecurity in orbit.
NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA conducts critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test. Saudi Space Agency announces global DebriSolver competition winners. SpaceX and Bezos push orbital data center plans.
Pentagon Cancels OPIR Polar After Northrop Sensor Delivery | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon cancels Next-Generation OPIR Polar program after Northrop Grumman delivered sensor payload. LEO and MEO alternatives deemed sufficient for missile-warning coverage.
US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief
US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.
Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.