Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
Launch Date
July 20, 2001
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
26867
International Designator
2001-030A
Decay Date
12/19/2016
Name
MOLNIYA 3-51
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Status
Owner
KVR/KS
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
4.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1780
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
12.0254
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Molniya-3K No. 11L
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPMR
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
Molniya-3
Configuration
KAUR-2
Motor
11D414
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
6 deployable solar arrays (1470 W), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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