X Report 18 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with Starship and multiple launch missions, while Starlink connectivity expands through T-Mobile's beta program.
MOLNIYA 3-23 (15476)
COSPAR: 1985-004A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 16, 1985
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15476
International Designator
1985-004A
Decay Date
12/5/1994
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 3-23
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NPOPM/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MOLNIYA 3-23, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite that was launched on January 16, 1985, from the PLMSC launch site using LC43/4 and the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It has a configuration of KAUR-2, manufactured by NPOPM for NPOPM/MSVYAZ. The satellite measures 3.6 meters in length, with a diameter of 1.6 meters and a span of 8.1 meters. Its dry mass is 1700 kilograms, and it had an initial launch mass of 1750 kilograms. MOLNIYA 3-23 uses deployable solar arrays to generate up to 1000 W of power alongside batteries for energy storage. It features a cylindrical shape with six panels and has a RCS value of 4.4981 square meters. The satellite's primary mission was communication, and it had a planned lifetime of three years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.4981
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 36
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 30 Aug 2024
Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.
Crew-12 Set for Launch, Starlink Wins New Airline Customer | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX Crew-12 mission set to launch astronauts to ISS on Feb 13. Starlink gains another airline partner for in-flight internet. Musk tops Forbes' 250 Greatest Innovators list.
Space Brief 14 Mar 2025
Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.
X Report 15 Dec 2025
SpaceX made significant strides in satellite deployment with successful launches of 27 and 29 Starlink satellites, marking both a milestone in landings and ongoing expansion of the Starlink constellation.
Space Brief 17 Oct 2024
An exciting day in space with potential maneuver revelations from the X-37B, SpaceX's resumption of Falcon 9 launches, and significant advancements in lunar exploration tied to new U.S. spacesuits.
Falcon 9 Returns to Flight, Crew-12 Targets Feb 11 Launch | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 returns to flight with Starlink 17-33 mission after brief stand-down. Crew-12 astronaut launch confirmed for Feb 11. SpaceX shifts Dragon launches away from pad 39A.
SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX unveils Stargaze space situational awareness system during 13th launch of January. Reports surface of SpaceX-xAI merger talks ahead of potential IPO. Dual-coast Starlink launches from CA and FL.