MOLNIYA 3-16 (12512)

COSPAR: 1981-054A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED

Image
MOLNIYA 3-16 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 9, 1981

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC41/1

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12512

International Designator

1981-054A

Decay Date

2/10/1998

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 3-16

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 3-16 satellite, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite launched on June 9, 1981, from the PLMSC launch site using LC41/1 and the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. Manufactured by NPOPM for NPOPM/MSVYAZ, it has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length, 1.6 meters in diameter, and a span of 8.1 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 1700 kg with an initial launch mass of 1750 kg. It was equipped with six deployable solar arrays providing 1000 W power along with batteries for energy storage. Its mission lifetime was expected to be three years, and it features a Cyl + 6 Pan shape with an RCS value of 15.4743. The satellite carried the Molniya-3 No. 30L payload and utilized either KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motors for propulsion.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.6

Diameter

1.6

Span

8.1

Dry Mass

1700

Launch Mass

1750

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

15.4743

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-3 No. 30L

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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