MOLNIYA 1-78 (20742)

COSPAR: 1990-071A | Alt Name: Molniya-1
DECAYED

Image
MOLNIYA 1-78 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 10, 1990

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20742

International Designator

1990-071A

Decay Date

7/6/2007

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 1-78

Alternative Name

Molniya-1

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

UNKS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
MOLNIYA 1-78 (also known as Molniya-1) is a communication satellite launched on August 10, 1990, from the Plesetsk Launch Site using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It was manufactured by NPOPM and 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 1,620 kilograms and its launch mass is 1,670 kilograms. Its power source consists of six deployable solar arrays and batteries. MOLNIYA 1-78 has an expected lifetime of three years and a shape described as cylindrical with six panels. The satellite's equipment includes the Molniya-1T No. 85L payload for communication purposes, and it uses a KDU-414A (S5.114) motor. Its owner is listed as UNKS.
Physical Characteristics

Length

4.4

Diameter

1.4

Span

8.6

Dry Mass

1620

Launch Mass

1670

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

17.496

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-1T No. 85L

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

NPOPM

Life Expectancy

3 years

Bus

Molniya-1T

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 13 Jan 2025

X Report 13 Jan 2025

SpaceX gears up for a series of launches, including Starlink deployments, lunar missions, and updates on the Starship program.

Space Force Gets $26B in Defense Bill, Golden Dome Initiative Funded | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Gets $26B in Defense Bill, Golden Dome Initiative Funded | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force allocated $26B in 2026 defense appropriations backing Golden Dome initiative. FY26 defense bill adds $8B but sidelines $28B munitions request. First Qatari-Emirati joint defense venture formed.

Space Brief 26 Oct 2024

Space Brief 26 Oct 2024

Explore the recent signing of the Artemis Accords by Chile, Boeing's strategic considerations, and captivating space missions including China's satellite endeavors and the James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery.

X Report 14 Sep 2025

X Report 14 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its 300th Starlink mission, deploying 24 new satellites to further expand its internet service coverage worldwide.

X Report 15 Jul 2025

X Report 15 Jul 2025

Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.

Space Brief 26 Jan 2025

Space Brief 26 Jan 2025

Spacewalks have resumed on the ISS, while Blue Origin prepares for a unique New Shepard mission. In other news, astronomers push for a ban on space ads and potential budget cuts threaten the JWST.

Space Brief 27 Oct 2024

Space Brief 27 Oct 2024

Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.

Space Force Forecasts 25 Extra Heavy-Lift Missions Through 2029 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Forecasts 25 Extra Heavy-Lift Missions Through 2029 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force projects 25 additional high-energy missions in 2027–2029 window, straining capacity at Vulcan and Falcon Heavy. Capacity constraints will drive military-NASA prioritization debates.