MOLNIYA 3-42 (22178)

COSPAR: 1992-067A | Alt Name: Molniya-3

Image
MOLNIYA 3-42 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 14, 1992

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/3

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M-PVB

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

22178

International Designator

1992-067A

Epoch

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:34:25 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

64.37°

Right Ascension

41.74°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

247.40°

Period

653.26 min

Mean Motion

2.20 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 3-42

Alternative Name

Molniya-3

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

VKS/GPKS

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 22178U 92067A   26182.60723385 -.00000139  00000-0  00000-0 0  9991
2 22178  64.3696  41.7385 6990128 247.3975  28.3927  2.20432479112576

Source: Celestrak

Summary
MOLNIYA 3-42, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite launched on October 14, 1992, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Pad LC43/3 using the Molniya 8K78M-PVB launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length and 1.6 meters in diameter with a span of 8.1 meters. It weighs 1,750 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 1,700 kilograms. Equipped with 6 deployable solar arrays generating 1000 W and batteries for power storage, it was manufactured by NPOPM for the VKS/GPKS and is part of the Molniya-3 series configuration known as KAUR-2. The satellite operates under a communication mission with a motor type KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS, and it has an estimated lifetime of three years. Its shape is described as cylindrical with six panels, and its radar cross-section (RCS) is measured at 14.6753 square meters.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.6

Diameter

1.6

Span

8.1

Dry Mass

1700

Launch Mass

1750

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

14.6753

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-3 No. 50

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 20 Jan 2025

Space Brief 20 Jan 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.

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.

X Report 7 Sep 2025

X Report 7 Sep 2025

SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites, pushing its 2025 total beyond 2,000, while facing community pushback in Florida for its Starship operations.

X Report 21 Nov 2025

X Report 21 Nov 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 100th launch of the year, enhancing Starlink's coverage while preparing for an escalating Starship production cadence.

Space Brief 29 Apr 2025

Space Brief 29 Apr 2025

Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.

Space Brief 30 Oct 2024

Space Brief 30 Oct 2024

Today's briefing covers China's successful Shenzhou 19 launch to the Tiangong space station, NASA's upcoming spacewalks plan after a spacesuit issue, and innovative propulsion research for space journeys.

X Report 26 Nov 2024

X Report 26 Nov 2024

SpaceX sets launch milestones with quick turnarounds and new Starlink deployments, while eyeing rapid Starship expansions next year.

X Report 24 Apr 2025

X Report 24 Apr 2025

SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.