Space Brief 31 Dec 2025
Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.
Launch Date
January 23, 1990
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
20444
International Designator
1990-006A
Decay Date
6/23/2003
Name
MOLNIYA 3-37
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Status
Owner
UNKS/MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
11.5839
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 53
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
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