MOLNIYA 1-76 (20255)

COSPAR: 1989-078A | Alt Name: Molniya-1
DECAYED

Image
MOLNIYA 1-76 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 27, 1989

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20255

International Designator

1989-078A

Decay Date

11/11/2000

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 1-76

Alternative Name

Molniya-1

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

UNKS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
MOLNIYA 1-76, also known as Molniya-1, is a communication satellite launched by the Soviet Union (SU) on September 27, 1989, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 4.4 meters in length with a diameter of 1.4 meters and spans 8.6 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 1620 kilograms and weighed 1650 kilograms at launch. Equipped with six deployable solar arrays and batteries, the satellite is designed for a three-year lifetime and uses KDU-414A (S5.114) motors for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a cylinder with six panels and it has an RCS value of 21.0062. Manufactured by NPOPM, its mission was to provide communication services.
Physical Characteristics

Length

4.4

Diameter

1.4

Span

8.6

Dry Mass

1620

Launch Mass

1650

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

21.0062

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-1T No. 83L

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.

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.

X Report 9 Aug 2025

X Report 9 Aug 2025

SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts are set to return to Earth after a five-month mission, while the company prepares for the launch of 24 new Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026

Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026

Rocket Lab Neutron launch schedule holds at Q4 2026 for the first flight as a five-launch contract lands; barge recovery starts on flight two.

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

On April 22, 2026, the FAA published a final rule implementing per-launch user fees for commercial space transportation — the first time the U.S. government has charged payload-based fees for rocket launches. Starting at 25 cents per pound with a $30,000 cap, the fees are modest today. By 2033, they won't be.

Space Brief 16 Nov 2024

Space Brief 16 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include ABL Space shifting its focus to missile defense, Intuitive Machines advocating for Artemis infrastructure reforms, and more updates from space and defense sectors.

X Report 4 Nov 2025

X Report 4 Nov 2025

Tesla's Cybertruck fleet integrates with SpaceX operations at Starbase, showcasing synergy between Musk's companies.

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Key highlights on China's reusable rocket developments, U.S. military's Tranche 1 satellite launch, Space Force's weapons acquisition strategies, and more.

X Report 2 Jul 2025

X Report 2 Jul 2025

SpaceX achieved significant milestones with the launch of its 500th Falcon 9 rocket and the deployment of a European weather satellite, showcasing its ongoing impact in space exploration and satellite technology.