X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
MOLNIYA 1-61 (15182)
COSPAR: 1984-085A | Alt Name: Molniya-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 10, 1984
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15182
International Designator
1984-085A
Decay Date
12/31/2002
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 1-61
Alternative Name
Molniya-1
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MOLNIYA 1-61, also known as Molniya-1, is a communication satellite launched by GUKOS on August 10, 1984, from the PLMSC launch site using LC41/1 and the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It was manufactured by NPOPM and has dimensions of 4.4 meters in length, a diameter of 1.4 meters, and spans 8.6 meters with its solar arrays deployed. The satellite weighs 1650 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 1620 kg. It is equipped with 6 deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission was communication, lasting approximately three years from the stable date of August 10, 1984. The satellite's shape is cylindrical with six panels and has an RCS (reaction control system) value of 15.3659. It operates in a Molniya orbit configuration as part of the KAUR-2 series.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
1620
Launch Mass
1650
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
15.3659
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-1T No. 69L
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
3 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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Details of Apollo 1
How a catastrophic fire in 1967 fundamentally altered NASA's approach to human spaceflight and continues to influence modern spacecraft design
Artemis 2 Crewed Lunar Flyby Scheduled for April 1 | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis II launches 4 astronauts on lunar flyby April 1. Soyuz-5 inaugural flight confirmed for April 3. Space warfare doctrines shift toward agentic AI for faster decision loops.
SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.
Space Brief 25 Jul 2025
Today's briefing covers Spire Global's new intelligence products, a significant military buildup in the Pacific, Space Force organizational changes, and more.
X Report 29 Mar 2025
Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.
SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026
SpaceX Starfall reentry capsule debuted June 23: the 2,100 kg disk launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to demo cargo return from orbit.
Varda W-5 Reentry Lands in Australia, Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill | KeepTrack Space Brief
Varda Space's W-5 mission lands safely in Australia. Leonardo DRS wins SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3 infrared payload contract. Senate passes $839B defense bill.