Space Brief 23 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.
MOLNIYA 3-29 (16802)
COSPAR: 1986-049A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 19, 1986
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16802
International Designator
1986-049A
Decay Date
11/10/1996
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 3-29
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UNKS/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MOLNIYA 3-29, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite launched on June 19, 1986, from the PLMSC launch site using a Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle at LC41/1. The satellite has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length and 1.6 meters in diameter with a span of 8.1 meters. It weighs 1750 kg at launch and 1700 kg dry, and is equipped with six deployable solar arrays providing up to 1000 watts of power alongside batteries. The satellite's mission duration was three years, and it was manufactured by NPOPM for the purpose of communication under the ownership of UNKS/MSVYAZ. Its configuration is KAUR-2, powered by a KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motor, and has a shape described as "Cyl + 6 Pan" with a RCS value of 13.9837.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
13.9837
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 44
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.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
Starlink Installed on Presidential Air Force One | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX Starlink connectivity equips Trump's $400M interim Air Force One as Falcon 9 prepares to orbit 24 more satellites on mission 17-28.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe
Forty-seven years ago, a revolutionary space telescope changed our view of the cosmos, pioneering international cooperation in space-based astronomy
Space Brief 8 Apr 2025
Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.
Crew-11 Preps for First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, Lufthansa Orders Starlink for 850 Jets | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 prepares for historic first ISS medical evacuation via Crew Dragon. Lufthansa Group to equip all 850 aircraft with Starlink. Starship infrastructure advances at Starbase and Cape Canaveral.
X Report 1 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its first crewed mission over Earth's poles and FAA concludes investigation into the Starship Flight 7 incident.
X Report 11 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 21 military satellites, marking a key achievement in national security efforts, while preparations continue for the upcoming NASA mission and insights emerge from the Starship development process.