MOLNIYA 3-44 (22633)

COSPAR: 1993-025A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED

Image
MOLNIYA 3-44 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 21, 1993

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

22633

International Designator

1993-025A

Decay Date

1/25/2004

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MOLNIYA 3-44

Alternative Name

Molniya-3

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

VKS/GPKS

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
MOLNIYA 3-44 (also known as Molniya-3) is a communication satellite launched on April 21, 1993, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using LC43/4 launch pad and the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It was manufactured by NPOPM and has dimensions of 3.6 meters in length, 1.6 meters in diameter, and a span of 8.1 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 1700 kilograms and a launch mass of 1750 kilograms. Its power is provided by six deployable solar arrays with an output of 1000 W and batteries. The design includes a cylindrical body with six panels, and it was owned by VKS/GPKS for communication purposes. It operated in orbit for approximately three years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.6

Diameter

1.6

Span

8.1

Dry Mass

1700

Launch Mass

1750

Shape

Cyl + 6 Pan

Radar Cross Section

9.8529

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Molniya-3 No. 57L

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 18 Nov 2024

Space Brief 18 Nov 2024

Today's brief highlights a Starlink satellite launch, an OpTech optical sensor contract for the Space Force, and a unique STEM experiment involving space-flown seeds.

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.

Space Brief 14 Jul 2025

Space Brief 14 Jul 2025

Today's briefing covers the latest developments in satellite intelligence funding, new mandates affecting space launch and missile defense, and the early conclusion of a private astronaut mission. We also discuss Firefly Aerospace's plans to go public and stunning imagery from NASA's Parker Solar Probe.

X Report 4 Apr 2025

X Report 4 Apr 2025

SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.

Earthquake Sensors Repurposed to Track Space Debris Reentry | KeepTrack Space Brief

Earthquake Sensors Repurposed to Track Space Debris Reentry | KeepTrack Space Brief

Scientists use earthquake sensors to track space debris reentry via sonic boom detection. SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites in seventh mission of 2026. NASA and DOE partner for lunar nuclear power.

Starlink Constellation Size Hits 9,931, X Report 7 Mar 2026

Starlink Constellation Size Hits 9,931, X Report 7 Mar 2026

Starlink constellation size in 2026: 9,931 satellites in orbit, 9,920 working from 11,463 launched. Starlink 17-18 adds 25 more from Vandenberg.

X Report 18 Nov 2024

X Report 18 Nov 2024

SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.

X Report 20 Aug 2025

X Report 20 Aug 2025

SpaceX makes significant strides with Starship Flight Test 10 approved and updates on the new Starbase pad design.