Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-3 Molniya-M
About the Molniya-3 Mission
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Geosynchronous Orbit
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.
Launch Pad & Location
43/4 (43R)
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
The 43/4 (43R) launch pad has hosted 328 rocket launches, including 328 orbital launch attempts. The Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation launch site has been the location for 1685 total rocket launches.
Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
Russian Space Forces Molniya-M 2BL Rocket
Learn more about the Russian Space Forces Molniya-M 2BL Rocket
About Progress Rocket Space Center
Progress Rocket Space Centre, formerly known as TsSKB-Progress, is a space science and aerospace research company which is known for manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites. Most notably, Progress Rocket Space Centre is the manufacturer of Soyuz launch vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M Molniya-3 launch scheduled?
The Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M Molniya-3 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M Molniya-3 mission launch from?
The Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M rocket launched from 43/4 (43R) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation. Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
What rocket was used for the Molniya-3 mission?
The Molniya-3 mission launched aboard a Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M Molniya-3 launch?
The Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M Molniya-3 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M Molniya-3 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Molniya-3 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Progress Rocket Space Center live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.