# FLOCK 3M 3

> 42996

**Wikidata**: [Q111471155](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471155)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flock-3m-3

## Summary
FLOCK 3M 3 is an artificial satellite that is part of the Flock 3M constellation, a series of Earth observation spacecraft operated by Planet Labs. It is identified by the designation 42996 and is classified as a Dove satellite, which is a family of small, commercial Earth-imaging satellites.

## Key Facts
- FLOCK 3M 3 is an artificial satellite, a human-made object placed into orbit.
- It is part of the Flock 3M constellation, a group of Earth observation satellites.
- It belongs to the Dove family of spacecraft, developed by Planet Labs.
- Its unique identifier is 42996.
- It is classified as an instance of an artificial satellite.
- Its Wikidata description is listed as "42996".
- It is referenced in the Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "42996"].

### Q: What is FLOCK 3M 3?
A: FLOCK 3M 3 is an artificial satellite that is part of the Flock 3M constellation, operated by Planet Labs. It is a Dove-class Earth observation spacecraft.

### Q: What is the purpose of FLOCK 3M 3?
A: FLOCK 3M 3 is designed for Earth observation, contributing to the Flock 3M constellation's mission of providing frequent, high-resolution imagery of the Earth's surface.

### Q: Who operates FLOCK 3M 3?
A: FLOCK 3M 3 is operated by Planet Labs, a company specializing in Earth imaging and satellite technology.

## Why It Matters
FLOCK 3M 3 plays a significant role in the growing field of commercial Earth observation. As part of the Flock 3M constellation, it contributes to the ability to monitor environmental changes, urban development, and natural disasters in near real-time. The Dove satellites, including FLOCK 3M 3, are designed to be cost-effective and scalable, enabling frequent revisits of any location on Earth. This capability is crucial for applications such as agriculture, forestry, disaster response, and climate monitoring. By providing accessible and timely satellite imagery, FLOCK 3M 3 and its counterparts help democratize access to geospatial data, supporting both commercial and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Flock 3M constellation, a large group of Earth observation satellites.
- Belonging to the Dove family, known for its small size and cost-effectiveness.
- Contributing to frequent Earth imaging, enabling near real-time monitoring.
- Being operated by Planet Labs, a leader in commercial satellite imagery.
- Having the unique identifier 42996, distinguishing it within the constellation.

## Body
### Technical Classification
FLOCK 3M 3 is classified as an artificial satellite, specifically a Dove-class spacecraft. It is part of the Flock 3M constellation, which is a series of Earth observation satellites operated by Planet Labs. The satellite is identified by the designation 42996 and is referenced in the Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "42996"].

### Role in the Flock 3M Constellation
As a member of the Flock 3M constellation, FLOCK 3M 3 contributes to the collective mission of providing frequent, high-resolution imagery of the Earth's surface. The Flock 3M satellites are designed to work together to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid revisit times, making them valuable for a wide range of applications, from environmental monitoring to urban planning.

### Operational Context
FLOCK 3M 3 is operated by Planet Labs, a company at the forefront of commercial Earth observation. The Dove satellites, including FLOCK 3M 3, are known for their small size, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be deployed in large numbers. This approach allows for the creation of extensive satellite constellations that can provide frequent and reliable Earth imagery, supporting both commercial and humanitarian initiatives.