Molniya Credit - © Mark Wade

Development of the Molniya-2M communications satellite, later called Molniya-3, began in 1972. Flight trials began in November 1974. 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.

Typical orbit: 900 km x 39000 km at 65 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: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb).

• 1974 November 21 - Molniya 3-01 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Apogee: 40,095 km (24,913 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.

• 1975 April 14 - Molniya 3-02 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 174 km (108 mi). Apogee: 39,323 km (24,434 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.

• 1975 November 14 - Molniya 3-03 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,823 km (1,132 mi). Apogee: 38,527 km (23,939 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).

• 1975 December 27 - Molniya 3-04 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 452 km (280 mi). Apogee: 40,708 km (25,294 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).

• 1976 May 12 - Molniya 3-05 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 93 km (57 mi). Apogee: 37,589 km (23,356 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).

• 1976 December 28 - Molniya 3-06 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 426 km (264 mi). Apogee: 13,594 km (8,446 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).

• 1977 April 28 - Molniya 3-07 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,169 km (1,347 mi). Apogee: 38,201 km (23,736 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).

• 1977 October 28 - Molniya 3-08 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,840 km (1,140 mi). Apogee: 38,508 km (23,927 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.

• 1978 January 24 - Molniya 3-09 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 85 km (52 mi). Apogee: 36,195 km (22,490 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).

• 1978 October 13 - Molniya 3-10 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,560 km (960 mi). Apogee: 33,590 km (20,870 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).

• 1979 January 18 - Molniya 3-11 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 370 km (220 mi). Apogee: 39,973 km (24,838 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).

• 1979 June 5 - Molniya 3-12 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 126 km (78 mi). Apogee: 19,362 km (12,030 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.

• 1980 April 18 - Cosmos 1175 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. FAILURE: Fourth stage failure. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 251 km (155 mi). Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 91.60 min.
  Probable failed early warning. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

• 1980 July 18 - Molniya 3-13 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,364 km (847 mi). Apogee: 38,990 km (24,220 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).

• 1981 January 9 - Molniya 3-14 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Apogee: 39,863 km (24,769 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).

• 1981 March 24 - Molniya 3-15 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Apogee: 40,052 km (24,887 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).

• 1981 June 9 - Molniya 3-16 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Apogee: 40,027 km (24,871 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.

• 1981 September 11 - Cosmos 1305 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. FAILURE: Fourth stage failure. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,680 km (1,040 mi). Apogee: 12,807 km (7,957 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 263.70 min.
  Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

• 1981 October 17 - Molniya 3-17 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 971 km (603 mi). Apogee: 39,183 km (24,347 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.

• 1982 March 24 - Molniya 3-18 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 121 km (75 mi). Apogee: 38,589 km (23,978 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.

• 1982 August 27 - Molniya 3-19 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,567 km (973 mi). Apogee: 38,841 km (24,134 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.

• 1983 March 11 - Molniya 3-20 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,069 km (1,285 mi). Apogee: 38,314 km (23,807 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.

• 1983 August 30 - Molniya 3-21 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,864 km (1,158 mi). Apogee: 38,445 km (23,888 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.

• 1983 December 21 - Molniya 3-22 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 176 km (109 mi). Apogee: 39,819 km (24,742 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.

• 1985 January 16 - Molniya 3-23 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 626 km (388 mi). Apogee: 39,732 km (24,688 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.

• 1985 May 29 - Molniya 3-24 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,449 km (900 mi). Apogee: 38,895 km (24,168 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.

• 1985 July 17 - Molniya 3-25 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,797 km (1,116 mi). Apogee: 38,334 km (23,819 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.

• 1985 October 3 - Molniya 3-26 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,660 km (1,030 mi). Apogee: 38,722 km (24,060 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.

• 1985 December 24 - Molniya 3-27 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,554 km (965 mi). Apogee: 38,555 km (23,956 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.

• 1986 April 18 - Molniya 3-28 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,255 km (779 mi). Apogee: 39,095 km (24,292 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.

• 1986 June 19 - Molniya 3-29 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,581 km (982 mi). Apogee: 38,815 km (24,118 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.

• 1986 October 20 - Molniya 3-30 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,742 km (1,082 mi). Apogee: 38,570 km (23,960 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.

• 1987 January 22 - Molniya 3-31 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,285 km (798 mi). Apogee: 39,069 km (24,276 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.

• 1988 May 26 - Molniya 3-32 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,066 km (1,283 mi). Apogee: 38,104 km (23,676 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.

• 1988 September 29 - Molniya 3-33 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,867 km (1,160 mi). Apogee: 38,414 km (23,869 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.

• 1988 December 22 - Molniya 3-34 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 899 km (558 mi). Apogee: 39,481 km (24,532 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.

• 1989 June 8 - Molniya 3-35 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,436 km (892 mi). Apogee: 38,918 km (24,182 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.

• 1989 November 28 - Molniya 3-36 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 698 km (433 mi). Apogee: 39,655 km (24,640 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.

• 1990 January 23 - Molniya 3-37 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 982 km (610 mi). Apogee: 39,367 km (24,461 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.

• 1990 June 13 - Molniya 3-38 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 571 km (354 mi). Apogee: 39,778 km (24,716 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.

• 1990 September 20 - Molniya 3-39 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,209 km (751 mi). Apogee: 39,142 km (24,321 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.

• 1991 March 22 - Molniya 3-40 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,948 km (1,831 mi). Apogee: 37,374 km (23,223 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.

• 1991 September 17 - Molniya 3-41 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,209 km (751 mi). Apogee: 39,145 km (24,323 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.

• 1992 October 14 - Molniya 3-42 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,167 km (1,346 mi). Apogee: 38,190 km (23,730 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.

• 1992 December 2 - Molniya 3-43 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,169 km (726 mi). Apogee: 39,109 km (24,301 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.

• 1993 April 21 - Molniya 3-44 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 744 km (462 mi). Apogee: 39,603 km (24,608 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.

• 1993 August 4 - Molniya 3-45 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 2,500 km (1,500 mi). Apogee: 37,920 km (23,560 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 719.10 min.
  Operation of the long range telephone and telegraph radio-communications system. Replaced Molniya 3-37.

• 1994 August 23 - Molniya-3-46 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,518 km (943 mi). Apogee: 38,837 km (24,132 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.

• 1995 August 9 - Molniya-3-47 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,216 km (755 mi). Apogee: 39,142 km (24,321 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 717.80 min.
  Voice and TV coverage.

• 1996 October 24 - Molniya-3-48 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 1,837 km (1,141 mi). Apogee: 38,520 km (23,930 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 717.80 min.
  

• 1998 July 1 - Molniya-3-49 - Program: Molniya. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Perigee: 501 km (311 mi). Apogee: 39,850 km (24,760 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 717.70 min.
  

• 1999 July 8 - Molniya-3-50 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Perigee: 1,811 km (1,125 mi). Apogee: 38,540 km (23,940 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).

• 2001 July 20 - Molniya-3-51 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Perigee: 888 km (551 mi). Apogee: 39,467 km (24,523 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.

• 2001 October 25 - Molniya-3-52 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Perigee: 646 km (401 mi). Apogee: 40,658 km (25,263 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.

• 2003 June 19 - Molniya 3-53 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Perigee: 651 km (404 mi). Apogee: 39,703 km (24,670 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.