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.
Launch Date
November 17, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
12959
International Designator
1981-113A
Decay Date
11/2/1993
Name
MOLNIYA 1-51
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
16.9708
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
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
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