PION 3 (20160)

COSPAR: 1989-055C | Alt Name: Pion-3
DECAYED

Image
PION 3 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 18, 1989

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC16/2

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20160

International Designator

1989-055C

Decay Date

9/19/1989

Basic Satellite Info

Name

PION 3

Alternative Name

Pion-3

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

KAIK/MOM

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
PION 3, also known as Pion-3, is a spherical satellite manufactured by KAIK and operated by KAIC/MOM. Launched on July 18, 1989, from the PLMSC launch site using Soyuz-U as the launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.6 meters in length, diameter, and span. With a dry mass of 78 kilograms, which is identical to its launch mass, PION 3 was equipped with batteries for power supply and had a transmitter onboard. Its mission focused on measuring atmosphere density and calibration purposes. The satellite remained operational for approximately two months following its stabilization date on August 7, 1989.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.6

Diameter

0.6

Span

0.6

Dry Mass

78

Launch Mass

78

Shape

Sphere

Radar Cross Section

0.07

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Pion-3

Purpose

Atmosphere density, calibration

Mission

Atmosphere density, calibration

Manufacturer

KAIK

Life Expectancy

2 months

Bus

Pion

Configuration

Sphere

Motor

None

Equipment

Transmitter

Power System

Batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 2 Apr 2025

X Report 2 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission marks a historic first in polar orbit travel, while DARPA unexpectedly detects Falcon 9 reentry using atmospheric listening.

X Report 16 Feb 2025

X Report 16 Feb 2025

SpaceX achieves a new milestone with the Falcon 9 and Starlink reshapes satellite connectivity landscape.

DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief

DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief

Department of Air Force announces finalized Program Acquisition Executive structure within days, reshaping oversight of GPS, SBIRS, and Protected Tactical Satcom systems.

Space Brief 13 Jan 2025

Space Brief 13 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.

The Day a Jupiter-Bound Spacecraft Traveled Past Venus

The Day a Jupiter-Bound Spacecraft Traveled Past Venus

Thirty-five years ago, NASA's Galileo spacecraft made a crucial flyby of Venus, pioneering a complex path through the inner solar system that would revolutionize planetary exploration

SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite in First 2026 National Security Mission | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite in First 2026 National Security Mission | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches NROL-105 spy satellite from Vandenberg — first national security mission of 2026. Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston after historic first-ever ISS medical evacuation.

The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes

The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes

Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name

Space Brief 26 Nov 2024

Space Brief 26 Nov 2024

Today's headlines include new launch schedules, military industrial base challenges, and NASA's exploration of historic Cold War sites. Discover significant space events and satellite insights.