Space Brief 7 Oct 2025
Explore the latest in satellite communications with Cubic's new terminals, strategic acquisitions by Firefly, China's IoT satellite achievements, and key military updates.
MOLNIYA 1-72 (18980)
COSPAR: 1988-022A | Alt Name: Molniya-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 17, 1988
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18980
International Designator
1988-022A
Decay Date
7/4/2001
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 1-72
Alternative Name
Molniya-1
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MOLNIYA 1-72, also known as Molniya-1, is a communication satellite launched on March 17, 1988, from the PLMSC launch site using a Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 4.4 meters in length, 1.4 meters in diameter, and a span of 8.6 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 1620 kg with an initial launch mass of 1650 kg. Manufactured by NPOPM, it was designed to operate for approximately three years. MOLNIYA 1-72 uses six deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its shape consists of a cylinder with six panels, and its reflective surface area (RCS) is 17.1103 square meters. The satellite's mission and purpose are centered around communication, employing the Molniya-1T No. 79L payload and the KDU-414A (S5.114) motor.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
1620
Launch Mass
1650
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
17.1103
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-1T No. 79L
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.
X Report 28 Jun 2025
SpaceX continues to dominate with two Starlink launches in one day, the unveiling of its final Crew Dragon, and facing legal challenges from Mexico regarding a recent Starship incident.
X Report 27 Nov 2024
SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.
Space Brief 25 Sep 2025
Discover the latest developments in space defense, innovative satellite technologies, nuclear advancements in space travel, and strategic military updates.
Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief
Air Force awards CCA contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for autonomous fighter wingmen. Autonomy layer split across Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.
Space Brief 25 Oct 2024
Today's highlights include Crew-8's return amid weather delays, new space tourism announcements by Deep Blue Aerospace, and Europe's efforts to combat space debris. Plus, another successful SpaceX launch and the ESA backed Zero Debris Charter gains international traction.
Starlink 17-40 Adds 24 Sats from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Starlink 17-40 mission launches 24 satellites from Vandenberg SFB at 7:36 a.m. PDT, expanding the 10,705-satellite constellation.
The Day We Lost Apollo 1
Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture