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Molniya-3

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Molniya Credit: © Mark Wade

AKA: 11F637;Molniya-2M. Status: Operational 1974. First Launch: 1974-11-21. Last Launch: 2003-06-19. Number: 55 . Gross mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Height: 4.40 m (14.40 ft). Span: 8.20 m (26.90 ft).

The Molniya-3 group of four satellites was used to create the Orbita communications system for northern regions of the Soviet Union. The land segment used a 12 m diameter parabolic antenna, pointed automatically at the satellite using autonomous electromechanical equipment. Although primarily for civilian applications, later versions were part of the Soviet YeSSS Unified Satellite Communications System. Trials of this version began in the 1980's, with the system being accepted by the military in 1983-1985.

Molniya-3 used the Segment-3 three-channel repeater (cm-band, 4-6 GHZ). The Molniya 3 spacecraft supported civil communications (domestic and international) while Molniya-1T were used almost exclusively for military communications. Compared to Molniya-1T they had a slightly enhanced electrical power system and a communications payload of three 6/4 GHz transponders with power outputs of 40 W or 80 W. Molniya 3 spacecraft only originated from Plesetsk.

Until 1983 the Molniya 3 constellation consisted of only four satellites, which were essentially co-located with four Molniya 1 satellites. When the Molniya 3 system was expanded to eight vehicles as part of the military's YeSSS system in 1983-1985, the new additions inaugurated the 155 degrees E ascending node geometry. After the restructuring of the Molniya-1T constellations in 1991, the Molniya 1 and 3 systems were essentially the same from a deployment perspective and to some extent provided an inherent backup capability. On the average Molniya-3 spacecraft were replaced slightly less frequently than their Molniya 1 cousins, representing either an extra 5 to 6 months of operational life, or a more casual attitude to having redundant civilian as opposed to military capability.

Photo Gallery

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Molniya-3

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YeSSS Unified Satell Unified Satellite Communication System Credit: NASA

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Molniya 3-26 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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Molniya-3-51 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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• Molniya 3-01 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 11. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1986-05-15 . USAF Sat Cat: 7540 . COSPAR: 1974-092A. Apogee: 40,095 km (24,913 mi). Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.60 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. .

• Molniya 3-02 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 12. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1988-11-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 7738 . COSPAR: 1975-029A. Apogee: 39,323 km (24,434 mi). Perigee: 174 km (108 mi). Inclination: 61.90 deg. Period: 700.50 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. .

• Molniya 3-03 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 13. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2017-11-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 8425 . COSPAR: 1975-105A. Apogee: 38,527 km (23,939 mi). Perigee: 1,823 km (1,132 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 717.70 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-04 - . Payload: Molniya-3 no. s/n 15. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1986-08-12 . USAF Sat Cat: 8521 . COSPAR: 1975-125A. Apogee: 40,708 km (25,294 mi). Perigee: 452 km (280 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 733.80 min.

  Decay date suspect Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-05 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 16. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1990-04-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 8833 . COSPAR: 1976-041A. Apogee: 37,589 km (23,356 mi). Perigee: 93 km (57 mi). Inclination: 62.10 deg. Period: 664.30 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-06 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 17. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1990-02-06 . USAF Sat Cat: 9635 . COSPAR: 1976-127A. Apogee: 13,594 km (8,446 mi). Perigee: 426 km (264 mi). Inclination: 59.50 deg. Period: 257.00 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-07 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 19. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 9941 . COSPAR: 1977-032A. Apogee: 38,201 km (23,736 mi). Perigee: 2,169 km (1,347 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 718.10 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-08 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 18. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 10455 . COSPAR: 1977-105A. Apogee: 38,508 km (23,927 mi). Perigee: 1,840 km (1,140 mi). Inclination: 63.70 deg. Period: 717.70 min. Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system; transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-09 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 20. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1990-04-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 10605 . COSPAR: 1978-009A. Apogee: 36,195 km (22,490 mi). Perigee: 85 km (52 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 636.80 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-10 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 22. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 11057 . COSPAR: 1978-095A. Apogee: 33,590 km (20,870 mi). Perigee: 1,560 km (960 mi). Inclination: 63.80 deg. Period: 614.90 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-11 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 23. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1998-12-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 11240 . COSPAR: 1979-004A. Apogee: 39,973 km (24,838 mi). Perigee: 370 km (220 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 717.60 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-12 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 21. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1992-09-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 11384 . COSPAR: 1979-048A. Apogee: 19,362 km (12,030 mi). Perigee: 126 km (78 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 339.60 min. Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system; transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. .

• Cosmos 1175 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 26. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1980-09-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 11769 . COSPAR: 1980-031C. Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Perigee: 251 km (155 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 91.60 min. Probable failed early warning. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space..

• Molniya 3-13 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 27. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 11896 . COSPAR: 1980-063A. Apogee: 38,990 km (24,220 mi). Perigee: 1,364 km (847 mi). Inclination: 63.10 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-14 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 25. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1999-07-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 12133 . COSPAR: 1981-002A. Apogee: 39,863 km (24,769 mi). Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 717.70 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-10. Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-15 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 24. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1992-10-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 12368 . COSPAR: 1981-030A. Apogee: 40,052 km (24,887 mi). Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 715.70 min.

  Replace Molniya 3-11. Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme).

• Molniya 3-16 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 30. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1998-02-10 . USAF Sat Cat: 12512 . COSPAR: 1981-054A. Apogee: 40,027 km (24,871 mi). Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 715.50 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-14. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Cosmos 1305 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 28. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 12818 . COSPAR: 1981-088A. Apogee: 12,807 km (7,957 mi). Perigee: 1,680 km (1,040 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 263.70 min. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space..

• Molniya 3-17 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 31. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1997-01-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 12915 . COSPAR: 1981-105A. Apogee: 39,183 km (24,347 mi). Perigee: 971 km (603 mi). Inclination: 62.70 deg. Period: 713.70 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-12. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-18 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 29. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1992-06-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 13107 . COSPAR: 1982-023A. Apogee: 38,589 km (23,978 mi). Perigee: 121 km (75 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 684.70 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-15. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-19 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 33. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2002-01-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 13432 . COSPAR: 1982-083A. Apogee: 38,841 km (24,134 mi). Perigee: 1,567 km (973 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 718.90 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-13. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-20 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 34. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 13875 . COSPAR: 1983-015A. Apogee: 38,314 km (23,807 mi). Perigee: 2,069 km (1,285 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 718.40 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-17. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-21 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 32. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2001-05-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 14313 . COSPAR: 1983-090A. Apogee: 38,445 km (23,888 mi). Perigee: 1,864 km (1,158 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 716.90 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-22 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 35. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1993-08-18 . USAF Sat Cat: 14570 . COSPAR: 1983-123A. Apogee: 39,819 km (24,742 mi). Perigee: 176 km (109 mi). Inclination: 64.30 deg. Period: 710.50 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-16. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-23 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 36. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1994-12-05 . USAF Sat Cat: 15476 . COSPAR: 1985-004A. Apogee: 39,732 km (24,688 mi). Perigee: 626 km (388 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 717.90 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-19. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-24 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 39. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 15738 . COSPAR: 1985-040A. Apogee: 38,895 km (24,168 mi). Perigee: 1,449 km (900 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.60 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-18. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-25 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 37. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2002-09-21 . USAF Sat Cat: 15909 . COSPAR: 1985-061A. Apogee: 38,334 km (23,819 mi). Perigee: 1,797 km (1,116 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 713.30 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-26 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 38. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2001-02-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 16112 . COSPAR: 1985-091A. Apogee: 38,722 km (24,060 mi). Perigee: 1,660 km (1,030 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 718.40 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-27 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 40. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 16393 . COSPAR: 1985-117A. Apogee: 38,555 km (23,956 mi). Perigee: 1,554 km (965 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 712.80 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-28 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 43. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1999-02-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 16683 . COSPAR: 1986-031A. Apogee: 39,095 km (24,292 mi). Perigee: 1,255 km (779 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 717.70 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-23. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-29 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 44. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1996-11-10 . USAF Sat Cat: 16802 . COSPAR: 1986-049A. Apogee: 38,815 km (24,118 mi). Perigee: 1,581 km (982 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 718.60 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-20. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-30 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 41. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 1999-10-15 . USAF Sat Cat: 17038 . COSPAR: 1986-079A. Apogee: 38,570 km (23,960 mi). Perigee: 1,742 km (1,082 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 716.90 min.

  Replaced Molniya 3-21. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

• Molniya 3-31 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 42. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 17328 . COSPAR: 1987-008A. Apogee: 39,069 km (24,276 mi). Perigee: 1,285 km (798 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-32 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 49. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2002-03-15 . USAF Sat Cat: 19189 . COSPAR: 1988-044A. Apogee: 38,104 km (23,676 mi). Perigee: 2,066 km (1,283 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 714.10 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-33 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 51. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2002-02-04 . USAF Sat Cat: 19541 . COSPAR: 1988-090A. Apogee: 38,414 km (23,869 mi). Perigee: 1,867 km (1,160 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 716.30 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-34 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 52. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2007-05-27 . USAF Sat Cat: 19713 . COSPAR: 1988-112A. Apogee: 39,481 km (24,532 mi). Perigee: 899 km (558 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 718.30 min.

  Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. First launch from LC43/3 since it was damaged by a booster accident in June 1987.

• Molniya 3-35 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 45. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2001-12-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 20052 . COSPAR: 1989-043A. Apogee: 38,918 km (24,182 mi). Perigee: 1,436 km (892 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-36 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 46. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2000-05-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 20338 . COSPAR: 1989-094A. Apogee: 39,655 km (24,640 mi). Perigee: 698 km (433 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-37 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 53. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2003-06-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 20444 . COSPAR: 1990-006A. Apogee: 39,367 km (24,461 mi). Perigee: 982 km (610 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 717.70 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-38 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 47. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2006-02-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 20646 . COSPAR: 1990-052A. Apogee: 39,778 km (24,716 mi). Perigee: 571 km (354 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 717.70 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-39 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 54. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2009-07-08 . USAF Sat Cat: 20813 . COSPAR: 1990-084A. Apogee: 39,142 km (24,321 mi). Perigee: 1,209 km (751 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 717.70 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-40 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 55. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 21196 . COSPAR: 1991-022A. Apogee: 37,374 km (23,223 mi). Perigee: 2,948 km (1,831 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 717.10 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-41 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 48. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 21706 . COSPAR: 1991-065A. Apogee: 39,145 km (24,323 mi). Perigee: 1,209 km (751 mi). Inclination: 63.10 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-42 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 50. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 22178 . COSPAR: 1992-067A. Apogee: 38,190 km (23,730 mi). Perigee: 2,167 km (1,346 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system, transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-43 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 56. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2008-11-08 . USAF Sat Cat: 22255 . COSPAR: 1992-085A. Apogee: 39,109 km (24,301 mi). Perigee: 1,169 km (726 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 716.20 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system, transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. .

• Molniya 3-44 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 57. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2004-01-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 22633 . COSPAR: 1993-025A. Apogee: 39,603 km (24,608 mi). Perigee: 744 km (462 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.70 min. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system, transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. Replaced Molniya 3-41..

• Molniya 3-45 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 58. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2013-12-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 22729 . COSPAR: 1993-049A. Apogee: 37,920 km (23,560 mi). Perigee: 2,500 km (1,500 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 719.10 min. Operation of the long range telephone and telegraph radio-communications system. Replaced Molniya 3-37..

• Molniya-3-46 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 60. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2009-02-10 . USAF Sat Cat: 23211 . COSPAR: 1994-051A. Apogee: 38,837 km (24,132 mi). Perigee: 1,518 km (943 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Replaced Molniya 3-40. As of 1994, the Molniya 3 constellation consisted of Molniya 3-36, 3-38, 3-39, 3-42, 3-43, 3-44, 3-45, and 3-46..

• Molniya-3-47 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 59. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 23642 . COSPAR: 1995-042A. Apogee: 39,142 km (24,321 mi). Perigee: 1,216 km (755 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 717.80 min. Voice and TV coverage..

• Molniya-3-48 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 62. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2007-10-18 . USAF Sat Cat: 24640 . COSPAR: 1996-060A. Apogee: 38,520 km (23,930 mi). Perigee: 1,837 km (1,141 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

• Molniya-3-49 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 61. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Manufacturer: Reshetnev bureau. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2011-02-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 25379 . COSPAR: 1998-040A. Apogee: 39,850 km (24,760 mi). Perigee: 501 km (311 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 717.70 min.

• Molniya-3-50 - . Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 63. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MO. Manufacturer: Reshetnev bureau. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. USAF Sat Cat: 25847 . COSPAR: 1999-036A. Apogee: 38,540 km (23,940 mi). Perigee: 1,811 km (1,125 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 717.70 min.

  The launch was from one of the three active R-7 class pads at Plesetsk (LC16/pad 2, LC43/pad 3, LC43/pad 4) and used the 8K78M launch vehicle, consisting of the 11S59 core packet, the 11S510 Block I third stage, and the Block-ML upper stage. The Block ML and the payload were placed in a 62.8 degree low parking orbit and then the ML fired to deliver the payload to a 12-hour operational orbit. This was the 52nd Molniya-3 to be launched (two were orbited under the Cosmos designation).

• Molniya-3-51 - . Payload: Molniya-3K. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MO. Manufacturer: Reshetnev bureau. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2016-12-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 26867 . COSPAR: 2001-030A. Apogee: 39,467 km (24,523 mi). Perigee: 888 km (551 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Molniya-3K military communications satellite and booster fourth stage entered a 214 x 420 km x 62.8 deg parking orbit at 0026 GMT. About half an orbit later, over the southeast Pacific, the NPO Lavochkin Block-ML fourth stage fired to put the payload into a 407 x 40831 km x 62.9 deg orbit. The Molniya-3K was an improved version of the Molniya-3 military satellite.

• Molniya-3-52 - . Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: VKS. Manufacturer: Reshetnev bureau. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2011-12-06 . USAF Sat Cat: 26970 . COSPAR: 2001-050A. Apogee: 40,658 km (25,263 mi). Perigee: 646 km (401 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg.

  Launch delayed from October 11. The Molniya-3 military communications satellite and Block ML upper stage were inserted into an initial 214 x 617 km x 62.8 deg parking orbit at 1143 GMT. At apogee over the South Pacific, the BOZ ullage motor fired and separated, then the ML main engine ignited and put the Molniya-3 satellite into its 615 x 40659 km x 62.8 deg operational orbit with apogee over the northern hemisphere.

• Molniya 3-53 - . Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: VKS. Program: Molniya. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: KAUR-2. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Decay Date: 2013-06-15 . USAF Sat Cat: 27834 . COSPAR: 2003-029A. Apogee: 39,703 km (24,670 mi). Perigee: 651 km (404 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  The satellite entered a 211 x 559 km x 62.8 deg parking orbit, and then the Blok ML upper stage fired to put it in a 604 x 40578 km x 62.7 deg drift orbit with a 734 minute period. The orbit was later adjusted to 717.8 minutes (semi-synchronous) with an onboard engine. The special orbital inclination of 63 degrees minimizes the rotation of the orbit in its plane due to the oblateness of the Earth, keeping the apogee in the same apparent position over the northern hemisphere.