Space Brief 6 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest experimental launch to GEO and new commercial satellites, insights from hyperspectral imagery on underground structures, and the Space Force's material testing for Mars missions.
Launch Date
November 23, 1983
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
14516
International Designator
1983-114A
Decay Date
10/30/2001
Name
MOLNIYA 1-59
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
13.3018
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-1K No. 64L
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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