White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief
White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.
Launch Date
March 11, 1983
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
13875
International Designator
1983-015A
Epoch
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:56:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
61.96°
Right Ascension
144.18°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
271.75°
Period
718.34 min
Mean Motion
2.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
MOLNIYA 3-20
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Status
Owner
NPOPM/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 13875U 83015A 26182.99780433 .00001296 00000+0 00000+0 0 9999
2 13875 61.9608 144.1764 7113039 271.7537 15.4507 02.00463426253312
Source: Celestrak
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
15.4143
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 34L
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.
SpaceX successfully launched Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the ISS, marking a significant advancement in cargo delivery capabilities.
Trump approaches Elon Musk about restoring Iran internet via Starlink during government blackout. SpaceX completes fifth launch of 2026 with 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral.
Space Force procures second Otter spacecraft for satellite repositioning. Momentus and NASA sign Space Act Agreement for orbital servicing tests. Pentagon delays contractor review.
Today's Space Brief discusses significant military satellite launches, groundbreaking agreements for lunar nuclear power, and Italy's satellite strategy dilemma. Additionally, we cover the Dream Chaser's upcoming demonstration flight and new Pentagon contracts for rocket motor production.
FCC dismisses SpaceX spectrum challenges, blocking key D2D frequencies. A $57M Golden Dome crosslink demo and software group seat soften the blow.
Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.