MOLNIYA 3-40 (21196)

COSPAR: 1991-022A | Alt Name: Molniya-3

Image
MOLNIYA 3-40 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 22, 1991

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/3

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21196

International Designator

1991-022A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:19:29 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

64.72°

Right Ascension

187.44°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

253.49°

Period

709.28 min

Mean Motion

2.03 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 3-40

Alternative Name

Molniya-3

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

UNKSR/MSVYAZ

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 21196U 91022A   26185.09687494  .00000143  00000+0  00000+0 0  9998
2 21196  64.7172 187.4416 6432256 253.4857  30.8825 02.03024047259689

Source: Celestrak

Summary
MOLNIYA 3-40 (also known as Molniya-3) is a communication satellite manufactured by NPOPM and launched on March 22, 1991, from PLMSC LC43/3 using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length, 1.6 meters in diameter, and an 8.1 meter span. The satellite weighs 1750 kg at launch with a dry mass of 1700 kg. Equipped with six deployable solar arrays (providing 1000 W) and batteries for power supply, it is designed to operate in space for approximately three years. Its mission is dedicated to communication purposes and it uses KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motors for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as cylindrical with six panels and has a radar cross-section of 13.4176 m². It belongs to the UNKSR/MSVYAZ organization and carries the payload Molniya-3 No. 55.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.6

Diameter

1.6

Span

8.1

Dry Mass

1700

Launch Mass

1750

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

13.4176

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-3 No. 55

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

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 22 Apr 2025

Space Brief 22 Apr 2025

Today's brief highlights key advancements in space technology and innovative military initiatives. Featuring deep space tracking system upgrades, a push towards quantum communications in orbit, and critical radar developments.

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026

SpaceX Starfall reentry capsule debuted June 23: the 2,100 kg disk launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to demo cargo return from orbit.

JSC Vimpel

JSC Vimpel

An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network

X Report 11 Nov 2025

X Report 11 Nov 2025

SpaceX continues to dominate the space launch market with a new Starlink mission, breaking Florida's annual launch record. The latest batch of satellites enhances global broadband coverage.

Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief

Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.

X Report 17 Sep 2025

X Report 17 Sep 2025

Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.

X Report 2 Jun 2025

X Report 2 Jun 2025

SpaceX delays the launch of 23 Starlink satellites due to geomagnetic storm concerns, adjusting the schedule for an upcoming Falcon 9 mission.

X Report 29 Mar 2025

X Report 29 Mar 2025

Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.