MOLNIYA 3-24

Additional information MOLNIYA 3-24

MOLNIYA 3-24, also known as Molniya-3, is a communication satellite that was launched on May 29, 1985, from the PLMSC launch site using LC43/4 and the Molniya 8K78M launch vehicle. It has a configuration of KAUR-2 and was manufactured by NPOPM for NPOPM/MSVYAZ. The satellite is part of the Molniya-3 series, specifically designated as No. 39. With dimensions of 3.6 meters in length and 1.6 meters in diameter, it features a span of 8.1 meters due to its shape being cylindrical with six panels. Its dry mass is 1700 kg, and at launch, it weighed 1750 kg. The satellites power system includes six deployable solar arrays providing up to 1000 W of power along with batteries for energy storage. MOLNIYA 3-24 was designed to operate in space for approximately three years and is equipped with a KDU-414A (S5.114) or 11D414NS motor system. The RCS value indicates its reflective characteristics, measured at 15.6906.