FLOCK 4Q 30
NORAD 58286
Payload
LEO
2023-174AG
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LEO · NORAD 58286
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
279 km
Apogee
288 km
Inclination
97.4°
Period
90.2 min
Mean Motion
16.02626568 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-09-17 12:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude284 km
Orbital Velocity27,862 km/h
Velocity7.74 km/s
Orbital Period90 minutes
Orbits / Day16.03
Eccentricity0.0007
Semi-Major Axis6,655 km
Orbit ClassSun-Synchronous (SSO)
Est. Orbital LifetimeWeeks to months
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇺🇸 Planet Labs (United States)
Launch Date
2023-11-11
Launch Site
Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States
Int'l Designator
2023-174AG
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
planet
📖 About This Object
FLOCK 4Q 30 is an active satellite operated by Planet Labs (United States), launched on 2023-11-11 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States on the Transporter-9 launch. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 279 km and 288 km with an inclination of 97.4°. It travels at approximately 27,862 km/h (7.74 km/s), completing one full orbit every 90 minutes — that’s roughly 16.03 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. It is part of the Planet constellation group. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is weeks to months. Orbital Radar tracks FLOCK 4Q 30 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
FLOCK 4Q 30 orbits at an average altitude of 284 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of FLOCK 4Q 30’s average altitude, there are currently 206 active payloads and 15 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1036, STARLINK-1048, STARLINK-1068. With an inclination of 97.4°, FLOCK 4Q 30 passes over latitudes between 97.4°N and 97.4°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. United States operates approximately 13,204 active satellites in total, of which 173 share a similar altitude band with FLOCK 4Q 30.
🔗 Planet Labs Earth Imaging
This satellite is part of Planet Labs' Earth observation fleet — the largest commercial imaging constellation. Planet operates over 200 satellites including Flock (Dove) 3U CubeSats that image the entire landmass daily at 3–5 m resolution and SkySat satellites providing sub-metre imagery and video. The constellation enables change detection, agricultural monitoring, disaster response and environmental analysis at unprecedented temporal resolution.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
FLOCK 4Q 30 is in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised form of LEO at approximately 284 km altitude. Its 97.4° inclination causes the orbital plane to precess at exactly the rate of the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, so the satellite crosses each latitude at a consistent local solar time. It completes one orbit every 90 minutes, travelling at 27,862 km/h.
FLOCK 4Q 30 is operated by Planet Labs (United States). It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 58286. You can track FLOCK 4Q 30 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker or browse all operators in the operator directory.
FLOCK 4Q 30 was launched on 2023-11-11 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States, primarily used for polar and sun-synchronous orbit launches due to its southward ocean trajectory from California. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: weeks to months. View the full satellite launch log.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks FLOCK 4Q 30 (NORAD ID 58286) using the latest TLE (two-line element set) data from Space-Track and CelesTrak. Open the live tracker to see its current position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated in real time. You can also browse the satellite directory to find other tracked objects.
FLOCK 4Q 30 travels at approximately 27,862 km/h (17,313 mph) — roughly 7.74 km/s. It completes 16.03 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 32 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
FLOCK 4Q 30 is a member of the Planet constellation. Satellites in this group work together to provide coordinated coverage, typically in similar orbital planes at comparable altitudes. You can view all Planet satellites on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.