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MOLNIYA 3-17 (12915)
COSPAR: 1981-105A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 17, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12915
International Designator
1981-105A
Decay Date
1/9/1997
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 3-17
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NPOPM/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MOLNIYA 3-17 (also known as Molniya-3) is a communication satellite that was launched on October 17, 1981, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Pad LC41/1 using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. The spacecraft, manufactured by NPOPM, has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length, 1.6 meters in diameter, and a span of 8.1 meters when its components are fully deployed. It had a dry mass of 1700 kg and launched with a total mass of 1750 kg. Its power system includes six deployable solar arrays that generate 1000 W of power along with batteries for energy storage. The satellite is equipped with a KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motor and has an expected lifetime of three years. It was operated by NPOPM/MSVYAZ for communication purposes as part of the Molniya series satellites, designed to support communication missions in geostationary orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
12.6245
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 31L
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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