Space Brief 17 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers key developments in satellite monitoring, U.K. defense contracts, and critical licensing reforms supporting national security.
MOLNIYA 3-53 (27834)
COSPAR: 2003-029A | Alt Name: Molniya-3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 19, 2003
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27834
International Designator
2003-029A
Decay Date
6/15/2013
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MOLNIYA 3-53
Alternative Name
Molniya-3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
KVR/KS
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MOLNIYA 3-53 is a communication satellite operated by KVR/KS and manufactured by NPOPMR. Launched on June 19, 2003, from LC16/2 at PLMSC using the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle, it has a configuration known as KAUR-2 based on the Molniya-3 bus. The satellite measures 4.4 meters in length with a diameter of 1.4 meters and a span of 8.6 meters. It weighs 1700 kg when dry and had a launch mass of 1780 kg. Its power system includes six deployable solar arrays providing 1000 W, alongside batteries. The satellite's purpose is communication, and its mission lifetime was planned for three years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1780
Shape
Cyl + 6 Pan
Radar Cross Section
11.1383
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Molniya-3 No. 65L
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPMR
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Molniya-3
Configuration
KAUR-2
Motor
11D414
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
6 deployable solar arrays (1000 W), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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