MOLNIYA 3-18 (13107)

COSPAR: 1982-023A | Alt Name: Molniya-3

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 24, 1982

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC41/1

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

13107

International Designator

1982-023A

Decay Date

6/23/1992

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 3-18

Alternative Name

Molniya-3

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

NPOPM/MSVYAZ

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

MOLNIYA 3-18, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite that was launched on March 24, 1982, from the Plesetsk Launch Site (PLMSC) using the LC41/1 launch pad and a Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It has a configuration designated as KAUR-2 and measures 3.6 meters in length with a diameter of 1.6 meters and a span of 8.1 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 1,700 kilograms and weighed 1,750 kilograms at launch. It was manufactured by NPOPM for the purpose of communication under the ownership of NPOPM/MSVYAZ. The spacecraft is equipped with six deployable solar arrays that generate 1,000 watts of power along with batteries for energy storage. Its propulsion system consists of a KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motor and it was designed to operate for approximately three years in 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

7.5642

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-3 No. 29L

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 16 Feb 2025

SpaceX's historic Falcon 9 flight launches 21 Starlink satellites, opening new milestones in space travel. Meanwhile, K2 Space achieves a funding breakthrough, and the first astronaut with a disability is set for a mission to the ISS.

X Report 19 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites in a night mission, marking a significant return to evening launches post-regulations.

X Report 18 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Sentinel-6B satellite to monitor global sea levels while resuming daytime rocket launches. Furthermore, delays in the Starship timeline impact NASA's Artemis 3 mission schedule.

The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth

Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage

X Report 13 May 2025

SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink network with multiple launches and gains momentum in international markets, while revisiting launch tariffs and new regulations.

Space Force Awards $437M to Viasat, SES for Military Satcom | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Four new GEO satellites replace vulnerable single-satellite systems.

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.

X Report 20 Oct 2025

SpaceX made significant strides with the successful launch of Starlink satellites and the approval for the redevelopment of SLC-6, reinforcing its foothold in commercial spaceflight.