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MOLNIYA 3-24 (15738)
COSPAR: 1985-040A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 29, 1985
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15738
International Designator
1985-040A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 03:36:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
62.37°
Right Ascension
149.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
257.94°
Period
563.21 min
Mean Motion
2.56 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 3-24
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NPOPM/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15738U 85040A 26184.15049811 .00000197 00000-0 18937-3 0 9999
2 15738 62.3719 149.2250 6929051 257.9402 22.8634 2.55675767341629
Source: Celestrak
Summary
MOLNIYA 3-24, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite that was launched on May 29, 1985, from the PLMSC launch site using LC43/4 and the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It has a configuration of KAUR-2 and was manufactured by NPOPM for NPOPM/MSVYAZ. The satellite is part of the Molniya-3 series, specifically designated as No. 39. With dimensions of 3.6 meters in length and 1.6 meters in diameter, it features a span of 8.1 meters due to its shape being cylindrical with six panels. Its dry mass is 1700 kg, and at launch, it weighed 1750 kg. The satellite's power system includes six deployable solar arrays providing up to 1000 W of power along with batteries for energy storage. MOLNIYA 3-24 was designed to operate in space for approximately three years and is equipped with a KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motor system. The RCS value indicates its reflective characteristics, measured at 15.6906.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
15.6906
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 39
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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