Kaluga Museum Credit - © Mark Wade

This was a modernized Molniya-1 communications satellite with the 'Beta' retransmitter which began flight tests in 1970. The system was operational by 1972. Communications stations for the Rocket Forces, Air Force, and Navy were in place by 1975 (Ruchey Command and Control System). The satellite itself was part of the Korund system, which allowed strategic communications and telephony with military units in Siberia and the Far East.

The complete system included 8 spacecraft, in four orbital planes, replenished as necessary. The satellite reliability improved over time, with a maximum life of about four years. The system used Surgut secure radio lines and had a 20 year system life, with 70 launches total. The improved Korund-M system began flight trials in 1983 and was accepted into military service in 1987.

Although the system supported the Russian Orbita Television network, the principal function was to service government and military communications traffic via a single 40 W, 1.0/ 0.8 GHz transponder. From Molniya 1-75 in 1989, all Molniya-1T spacecraft were launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by the Molniya booster.

The average launch rate in the 1970's and 1980's was over three per year. After 1993 this declined to one launch every other year. However the much-reduced network evidently could still support essential military communications within Russian territory.

Typical orbit: 900 km x 39000 km at 64 degrees inclination. Length: 4.40 m (14.40 ft). Maximum Diameter: 1.40 m (4.50 ft). Span: 8.20 m (26.90 ft). Mass: 1,656 kg (3,650 lb). Associated Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78, Molniya 8K78M.

• 1970 June 30 - Molniya - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. FAILURE: Failure in year noted; exact date unknown.

• 1976 January 22 - Molniya 1-32 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,247 km (1,396 mi). Apogee: 38,210 km (23,740 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 719.80 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).

• 1976 July 23 - Molniya 1-35 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 483 km (300 mi). Apogee: 38,911 km (24,178 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 698.40 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).

• 1976 March 11 - Molniya 1-33 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 151 km (93 mi). Apogee: 37,773 km (23,471 mi). Inclination: 62.60 deg. Period: 669.10 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). Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T.

• 1976 March 19 - Molniya 1-34 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 617 km (383 mi). Apogee: 39,722 km (24,682 mi). Inclination: 62.70 deg. Period: 717.40 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).

• 1977 August 30 - Molniya 1-38 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 187 km (116 mi). Apogee: 38,159 km (23,710 mi). Inclination: 62.60 deg. Period: 677.50 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. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T.

• 1977 June 24 - Molniya 1-37 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 106 km (65 mi). Apogee: 4,564 km (2,835 mi). Inclination: 62.60 deg. Period: 134.90 min.

  Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network.

• 1977 March 24 - Molniya 1-36 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,288 km (1,421 mi). Apogee: 38,042 km (23,638 mi). Inclination: 63.70 deg. Period: 717.30 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). Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T.

• 1978 August 22 - Molniya 1-42 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,181 km (733 mi). Apogee: 34,374 km (21,358 mi). Inclination: 63.80 deg. Period: 622.70 min.

  Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1978 July 14 - Molniya 1-41 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 260 km (160 mi). Apogee: 38,306 km (23,802 mi). Inclination: 61.80 deg. Period: 681.90 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1978 June 2 - Molniya 1-40 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,627 km (1,010 mi). Apogee: 38,729 km (24,065 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network.

• 1978 March 2 - Molniya 1-39 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 401 km (249 mi). Apogee: 39,957 km (24,828 mi). Inclination: 62.00 deg. Period: 717.90 min.

  Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network.

• 1979 April 12 - Molniya 1-43 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 39,936 km (24,815 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 713.40 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1979 July 31 - Molniya 1-44 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 550 km (340 mi). Apogee: 39,806 km (24,734 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1979 October 20 - Molniya 1-45 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 93 km (57 mi). Apogee: 39,615 km (24,615 mi). Inclination: 61.70 deg. Period: 704.70 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1980 January 11 - Molniya 1-46 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 103 km (64 mi). Apogee: 28,891 km (17,952 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 500.30 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1980 June 21 - Molniya 1-47 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 98 km (60 mi). Apogee: 24,508 km (15,228 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 423.50 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1980 November 16 - Molniya 1-48 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 870 km (540 mi). Apogee: 39,291 km (24,414 mi). Inclination: 62.40 deg. Period: 713.90 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1981 December 23 - Molniya 1-52 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,097 km (1,303 mi). Apogee: 38,267 km (23,777 mi). Inclination: 63.80 deg. Period: 718.00 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-45. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. 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.

• 1981 January 30 - Molniya 1-49 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,571 km (976 mi). Apogee: 38,759 km (24,083 mi). Inclination: 63.70 deg. Period: 717.30 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-41. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

• 1981 June 24 - Molniya 1-50 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 39,708 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 708.60 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-42. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. 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.

• 1981 November 17 - Molniya 1-51 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 134 km (83 mi). Apogee: 39,457 km (24,517 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 702.40 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. 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.

• 1982 December 8 - Cosmos 1423 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. FAILURE: Fourth stage failure. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 348 km (216 mi). Apogee: 571 km (354 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 93.80 min.

  Intended to replace Molniya 1-48; failed. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

• 1982 February 26 - Molniya 1-53 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,456 km (904 mi). Apogee: 38,895 km (24,168 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 717.70 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-47. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. 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.

• 1982 July 21 - Molniya 1-55 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 160 km (90 mi). Apogee: 39,618 km (24,617 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 706.20 min.

  Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. 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.

• 1982 May 28 - Molniya 1-54 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 259 km (160 mi). Apogee: 40,054 km (24,888 mi). Inclination: 64.30 deg. Period: 716.90 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-44. 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.

• 1983 April 2 - Molniya 1-57 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 802 km (498 mi). Apogee: 39,551 km (24,575 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-52. 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.

• 1983 July 19 - Molniya 1-58 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 200 km (120 mi). Apogee: 25,838 km (16,054 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 448.10 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-49. 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.

• 1983 March 16 - Molniya 1-56 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,442 km (896 mi). Apogee: 39,043 km (24,260 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 720.50 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-50. 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.

• 1983 November 23 - Molniya 1-59 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,742 km (1,082 mi). Apogee: 38,678 km (24,033 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 719.10 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.

• 1984 August 10 - Molniya 1-61 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,935 km (1,202 mi). Apogee: 38,330 km (23,810 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 716.00 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.

• 1984 August 24 - Molniya 1-62 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 836 km (519 mi). Apogee: 40,372 km (25,085 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 735.20 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-54. 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.

• 1984 December 14 - Molniya 1-63 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,605 km (997 mi). Apogee: 38,722 km (24,060 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 717.20 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-55. 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.

• 1984 March 16 - Molniya 1-60 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 277 km (172 mi). Apogee: 40,011 km (24,861 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 716.50 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-51. 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.

• 1985 August 22 - Molniya 1-64 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,987 km (1,234 mi). Apogee: 38,370 km (23,840 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-61. 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.

• 1985 October 23 - Molniya 1-65 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,104 km (685 mi). Apogee: 39,239 km (24,381 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 717.60 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-58. 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.

• 1985 October 28 - Molniya 1-66 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,656 km (1,028 mi). Apogee: 38,699 km (24,046 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-56. 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.

• 1986 December 26 - Molniya 1-70 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,070 km (660 mi). Apogee: 39,283 km (24,409 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-62. 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.

• 1986 July 30 - Molniya 1-67 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,595 km (991 mi). Apogee: 38,765 km (24,087 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 717.90 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-59. 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.

• 1986 November 15 - Molniya 1-69 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,506 km (935 mi). Apogee: 38,824 km (24,124 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 717.30 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-60. 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.

• 1986 September 5 - Molniya 1-68 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,710 km (1,060 mi). Apogee: 38,643 km (24,011 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Replaced Molniya 1-57. 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.

• 1988 August 12 - Molniya 1-73 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,726 km (1,072 mi). Apogee: 38,629 km (24,002 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.

• 1988 December 28 - Molniya 1-74 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,358 km (843 mi). Apogee: 39,002 km (24,234 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 717.90 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.

• 1988 March 11 - Molniya 1-71 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 1,199 km (745 mi). Apogee: 39,149 km (24,326 mi). Inclination: 63.80 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.

• 1988 March 17 - Molniya 1-72 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 2,121 km (1,317 mi). Apogee: 38,228 km (23,753 mi). Inclination: 64.80 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.

• 1989 February 15 - Molniya 1-75 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 2,111 km (1,311 mi). Apogee: 38,249 km (23,766 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 717.90 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.

• 1989 September 27 - Molniya 1-76 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Perigee: 783 km (486 mi). Apogee: 39,572 km (24,588 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.

• 1990 April 26 - Molniya 1-77 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 724 km (449 mi). Apogee: 39,625 km (24,621 mi). Inclination: 64.40 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.

• 1990 August 10 - Molniya 1-78 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,099 km (682 mi). Apogee: 39,251 km (24,389 mi). Inclination: 63.80 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.

• 1990 November 23 - Molniya 1-79 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,126 km (699 mi). Apogee: 39,211 km (24,364 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.40 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.

• 1991 August 1 - Molniya 1-82 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 763 km (474 mi). Apogee: 39,591 km (24,600 mi). Inclination: 64.50 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.

• 1991 February 15 - Molniya 1-80 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 3,029 km (1,882 mi). Apogee: 37,317 km (23,187 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 717.60 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.

• 1991 June 18 - Molniya 1-81 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,262 km (1,405 mi). Apogee: 38,094 km (23,670 mi). Inclination: 63.60 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.

• 1992 August 6 - Molniya 1-84 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,060 km (650 mi). Apogee: 39,294 km (24,416 mi). Inclination: 63.00 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.

• 1992 March 4 - Molniya 1-83 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 823 km (511 mi). Apogee: 39,530 km (24,560 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communications system and transmission of Central Television programmes.

• 1993 December 22 - Molniya 1-87 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,668 km (1,036 mi). Apogee: 38,716 km (24,056 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 718.40 min.

  Operation of the long range telephone and telegraph radio-communications system. Replaced Molniya 1-77.

• 1993 January 13 - Molniya 1-85 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 528 km (328 mi). Apogee: 39,822 km (24,744 mi). Inclination: 63.40 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. Replaced Molniya 1-78.

• 1993 May 26 - Molniya 1-86 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,676 km (1,041 mi). Apogee: 38,681 km (24,035 mi). Inclination: 64.10 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. Replaced Molniya 1-81.

• 1994 December 14 - Molniya-1-88 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,795 km (1,115 mi). Apogee: 38,562 km (23,961 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

  Molniya 188, relieved Molniya 1-82 of its duties. At the end of 1994, operational Molniya satellites were 1-79, 1-80, and 1-83 through 1-88.

• 1996 August 14 - Molniya-1T - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 968 km (601 mi). Apogee: 39,391 km (24,476 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.90 min.

• 1997 September 24 - Molniya-1T - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 782 km (485 mi). Apogee: 39,575 km (24,590 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

• 1998 September 28 - Molniya-1T - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Perigee: 1,599 km (993 mi). Apogee: 38,755 km (24,081 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 717.80 min.

• 2003 April 2 - Molniya 1-92 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,660 kg (3,650 lb). Perigee: 655 km (406 mi). Apogee: 39,693 km (24,664 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.60 min.

• 2004 February 18 - Molniya-1T - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Perigee: 650 km (400 mi). Apogee: 39,708 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.90 min.

  Launched during a nationwide military exercise. Original name Cosmos 2405.

• Isakowitz, Steven J,, International Reference to Space Launch Systems Second Edition, AIAA, Washington DC, 1991 (succeeded by 2000 edition). ISBN: 1563473534. Superseded by the later editions. More at amazon.com...

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• NASA/GSFC Orbital Information Group Website, . Accessed at: http://oig1.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

• McDowell, Jonathan, Launch Log, October 1998. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited since Sputnik. Accessed at: http://hea-www.harvard.edu/~jcm/space/log/launch.html.

• Voevodin, Sergey A, VSA072 - Space Apparatus, "Sergey A. Voevodin's Reports", . Accessed at: http://home.attbi.com/~rusaerog/spacecraft.html.

• Varfolomyev, Timothy, Spaceflight, "Soviet Rocketry that Conquered Space - Part 5", 1998, Volume 40, page 85. 1: Sp 95/37-260; Sp 96/38-31 (8K71 launches); 2: Sp 96/38-48; 3: Sp 96/38-206; Sp 96/38-317 (designatons); 4: Sp 98/40-28; 5:Sp 98/40-85

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• McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Report (Internet Newsletter), Harvard University, Weekly, 1989 to Present. Essential internet newsletter recording worldwide weekly space events. Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.

• McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.

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