Space Brief 28 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's latest satellite launches, Blue Origin's expansion plans, and Purdue University's groundbreaking suborbital mission with Virgin Galactic.
Launch Date
July 21, 1982
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
13383
International Designator
1982-074A
Decay Date
10/8/1992
Name
MOLNIYA 1-55
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
14.3441
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-1K No. 62L
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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