This 3U Cubesat is part of Planet Labs "Flock" of Earth imaging satellites.
Flock-3p represents the tenth Flock of Dove Earth-Observation CubeSats launched by San Francisco imaging company Planet. The company has been operating Dove satellites since early 2014 for the acquisition of Earth imagery at rapid revisit time by deploying a large constellation of satellites to orbit.
The 3-Unit CubeSats weigh close to 5 Kilograms and measure 30 x 10 x 10 centimeters in size. The main payload of each satellite is an optical telescope of unknown specifications to acquire medium-resolution images of Earth. The telescope has an aperture diameter of 90mm and is protected by an aperture cover that is deployed via springs. The optical axis is down the central axis of the satellite to achieve a maximum focal length.
According to Planet, the Doves achieve a ground resolution of three to five meters, depending on their orbital altitude. The satellites can capture black and white panchromatic imagery as well as multi-band color imagery. Near-infrared imaging capability was added in a later iteration of the Doves and is also available at regular revisit time.
Flock-2k CubeSats form part of a large constellation of small, short-lifespan satellites which Planet Labs are using for commercial Earth imaging, at resolutions of up to three meters (10 feet).
Facts in Brief
Launch Vehicle: various
Launch Site: various
Mass: 6 kg