MOLNIYA 1-51 (12959)

COSPAR: 1981-113A | Alt Name: Molniya-1
DECAYED

Image
MOLNIYA 1-51 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 17, 1981

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC41/1

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12959

International Designator

1981-113A

Decay Date

11/2/1993

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 1-51

Alternative Name

Molniya-1

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GUKOS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
MOLNIYA 1-51, also known as Molniya-1, is a communication satellite operated by GUKOS and manufactured by NPOPM. Launched on November 17, 1981, from PLMSC LC41/1 using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 4.4 meters in length, 1.4 meters in diameter, and a span of 8.6 meters. It weighs 1650 kg at launch with a dry mass of 1620 kg. The spacecraft's configuration is KAUR-2 on the Molniya-1 bus, equipped with six deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission lifespan was approximately two years. MOLNIYA 1-51 carries the Molniya-1K No. 57L payload and uses a KDU-414A (S5.114) motor, featuring a cylindrical shape with six panels. The satellite's RCS is 16.9708.
Physical Characteristics

Length

4.4

Diameter

1.4

Span

8.6

Dry Mass

1620

Launch Mass

1650

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

16.9708

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-1K No. 57L

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 21 Oct 2025

Space Brief 21 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.

Space Brief 23 Mar 2025

Space Brief 23 Mar 2025

Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.

NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Airborne Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Airborne Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO awards three commercial data contracts and explores vetting satellite firms for airborne target tracking via U.S. Space Force. Strategic expansion of GEOINT capabilities.

X Report 23 Dec 2024

X Report 23 Dec 2024

SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone in its satellite internet constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully recovered at sea.

Space Brief 13 Feb 2025

Space Brief 13 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers significant advancements in space satellite launches, military spending impacts on space, and notable developments from the Space Force and SpaceX.

X Report 22 Jun 2025

X Report 22 Jun 2025

Key updates include the impending Falcon 9 launch for Transporter-14, insights on Starship's explosion, and a last-minute abort of the Starlink 10-23 mission.

Starlink Constellation Size Hits 9,931, X Report 7 Mar 2026

Starlink Constellation Size Hits 9,931, X Report 7 Mar 2026

Starlink constellation size in 2026: 9,931 satellites in orbit, 9,920 working from 11,463 launched. Starlink 17-18 adds 25 more from Vandenberg.

X Report 15 Aug 2025

X Report 15 Aug 2025

SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.