MOLNIYA 1-48, also known as Molniya-1, is a satellite launched on November 16, 1980, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome's Launch Pad LC41/1 using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 4.4 meters in length and 1.4 meters in diameter with a span of 8.6 meters, featuring a cylindrical body with six panels. It had a dry mass of 1620 kilograms and weighed 1650 kilograms at launch. Manufactured by NPOPM for GUKOSR, the satellite's payload was designated as Molniya-1K No. 54L. The satellite has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 11.9314 square meters and a shape described as Cyl + 6 Pan, indicating a cylindrical body with additional panels.