Space Brief 3 Nov 2025
Highlighting India's significant military satellite launch, real-time satellite tracking developments in Europe, SpaceX's new rideshare mission, and more space industry news.
Launch Date
June 24, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
12556
International Designator
1981-060A
Decay Date
12/14/1991
Name
MOLNIYA 1-50
Alternative Name
Molniya-1
Type
Status
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
4.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
1620
Launch Mass
1650
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.7
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-1K No. 61L
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
2 years
Bus
Molniya-1
Configuration
KAUR-2
Motor
KDU-414A (S5.114)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
6 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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