Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
Launch Date
July 8, 1999
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
25847
International Designator
1999-036A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:24:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
63.53°
Right Ascension
154.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.87°
Period
717.73 min
Mean Motion
2.01 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
MOLNIYA 3-50
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Status
Owner
VKSR/GPKS
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 25847U 99036A 26183.97561305 .00000401 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 25847 63.5278 154.0102 6755250 276.8701 16.4356 2.00631286197733
Source: Celestrak
Length
3.6
Diameter
1.6
Span
8.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
14.707
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 63L
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPMR
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
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U.S. GSSAP satellites execute coordinated GEO maneuvers for continuous surveillance of Chinese Shijian-29 spacecraft. Handoff approach maintains coverage with zero gaps.
Rocket Lab Neutron launch schedule holds at Q4 2026 for the first flight as a five-launch contract lands; barge recovery starts on flight two.
Pentagon's $50B Iran supplemental request signals major investment in missile defense and ISR satellites. Amazon reshuffles LEO government leadership amid Kuiper competition.