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MOLNIYA 3-15 (12368)
COSPAR: 1981-030A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12368
International Designator
1981-030A
Decay Date
10/19/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 3-15
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NPOPM/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The MOLNIYA 3-15 satellite, also known as Molniya-3, was launched on March 24, 1981, from the PLMSC launch site using a Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It is part of the Molniya-3 series with a configuration designated KAUR-2 and serves a communication mission. The satellite has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length, 1.6 meters in diameter, and an 8.1-meter span. Its dry mass is 1700 kg, and its launch mass was 1750 kg. It features six deployable solar arrays providing a total power output of 1000 W along with batteries for energy storage. The satellite's propulsion system includes the KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motor and was manufactured by NPOPM for NPOPM/MSVYAZ. It has a cylindrical shape with six panels and an RCS value of 10.9861, launched for a communication mission expected to last three years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
10.9861
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 24
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Molniya-3
Configuration
KAUR-2
Motor
KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
6 deployable solar arrays (1000 W), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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