Molniya-ML Media Gallery

Improved Molniya, in variants with Blocks ML, 2BL, or SO-L third stages according to payload.

Manufacturer: Korolev. Launches: 294. Failures: 21. Success Rate: 92.86%. First Launch Date: 1964-02-19. Last Launch Date: 2006-07-21. Launch data is: continuing. LEO Payload: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). to: 820 km Orbit. Payload: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). to a: Geosynchronous transfer trajectory. Associated Spacecraft: IRS, Luna E-6, Luna E-6LF, Luna E-6LS, Luna E-6M, Luna E-6S, Magion, Microsat, Molniya-1, Molniya-1T, Molniya-2, Molniya-3, Oko, Prognoz, Prognoz-M, Skipper, SRET, Venera 1V (V-67), Venera 2V (V-69), Venera 2V (V-69), Venera 3MV-1, Venera 3MV-1A. Other Associated Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-3, Venera 3MV-4, Venera 3V (V-70), Venera 3V (V-72). Liftoff Thrust: 4,016.000 kN (902,832 lbf). Total Mass: 305,460 kg (673,420 lb). Core Diameter: 2.99 m (9.80 ft). Total Length: 40.00 m (131.00 ft). Launch Price $: 25.000 million. in: 1994 price dollars. Flyaway Unit Cost $: 39.000 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.

Improved Molniya.

LEO Payload: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). to: 820 km Orbit. Payload: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). to a: Geosynchronous transfer trajectory. Liftoff Thrust: 4,016.000 kN (902,832 lbf). Total Mass: 305,460 kg (673,420 lb). Core Diameter: 2.99 m (9.80 ft). Total Length: 40.00 m (131.00 ft).

Improved Molniya variant with Blok-2BL upper stage

Payload: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). to a: geosynchronous transfer orbit trajectory. Apogee: 40,000 km (24,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 4,054.000 kN (911,375 lbf). Total Mass: 305,000 kg (672,000 lb). Core Diameter: 2.95 m (9.67 ft). Total Length: 43.40 m (142.30 ft).

Improved Molniya variant with Blok-ML upper stage

Payload: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). to a: geosynchronous transfer orbit trajectory. Apogee: 40,000 km (24,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 4,054.000 kN (911,375 lbf). Total Mass: 305,000 kg (672,000 lb). Core Diameter: 2.95 m (9.67 ft). Total Length: 43.40 m (142.30 ft).

Improved Molniya variant with Blok SO-L upper stage

Payload: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). to a: geosynchronous transfer orbit trajectory. Apogee: 400,000 km (240,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 4,054.000 kN (911,375 lbf). Total Mass: 305,000 kg (672,000 lb). Core Diameter: 2.95 m (9.67 ft). Total Length: 43.40 m (142.30 ft).

• Stage Number: 0. 4 x Stage: Molniya 8K78M-0. Gross Mass: 43,400 kg (95,600 lb). Empty Mass: 3,770 kg (8,310 lb). Thrust (vac): 995.300 kN (223,752 lbf). Isp: 314 sec. Burn time: 119 sec. Isp(sl): 257 sec. Diameter: 2.68 m (8.79 ft). Span: 2.68 m (8.79 ft). Length: 19.00 m (62.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: RD-107-8D728.

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Molniya 8K78M-1. Gross Mass: 100,600 kg (221,700 lb). Empty Mass: 6,798 kg (14,987 lb). Thrust (vac): 976.700 kN (219,571 lbf). Isp: 315 sec. Burn time: 291 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 2.99 m (9.80 ft). Span: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Length: 28.00 m (91.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: RD-108-8D727.

• Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: Molniya 8K78M-2. Gross Mass: 24,800 kg (54,600 lb). Empty Mass: 1,976 kg (4,356 lb). Thrust (vac): 298.100 kN (67,016 lbf). Isp: 330 sec. Burn time: 241 sec. Isp(sl): 0 sec. Diameter: 2.56 m (8.39 ft). Span: 2.56 m (8.39 ft). Length: 2.84 m (9.31 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: RD-0110.

• Stage Number: 3. 1 x Stage: Molniya 8K78M-3. Gross Mass: 6,660 kg (14,680 lb). Empty Mass: 1,160 kg (2,550 lb). Thrust (vac): 66.600 kN (14,972 lbf). Isp: 340 sec. Burn time: 250 sec. Diameter: 2.40 m (7.80 ft). Span: 2.56 m (8.39 ft). Length: 3.20 m (10.40 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: S1.5400A. 700 kg BOZ ullage motors and stabilisation platform jettisoned prior to main stage burn.

1964 February 19 - 05:47 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M T15000-19. FAILURE: Second stage failure.

• 3MV-1A Nation: USSR. Program: Mars. Payload: 3MV-1A s/n 2. Mass: 890 kg (1,960 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-1A. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F640219A. Decay Date: 1964-02-19. References: 5, 64, 65.

• 3MV-1 No. 2 SA Nation: USSR. Program: Mars. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-1. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F640219B. References: 279.

• Venus launch delayed. Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-1. Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-1. Decay Date: 1964-03-01. The launch was delayed due to malfunctions during prelaunch service. References: 5, 64.

• Luna failure Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6 s/n 4. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F640321A. Decay Date: 1964-03-21. The upper stages burnt on re-entry into the atmosphere. References: 5, 64, 65.

• Cosmos 27 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-1 s/n 3. Mass: 890 kg (1,960 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-1. Agency: NII-88. Perigee: 197 km (122 mi). Apogee: 209 km (129 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1964-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 772. Decay Date: 1964-03-29. The stage with payload remained in Earth orbit as Cosmos-27. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Zond 1 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-1 s/n 4. Mass: 890 kg (1,960 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-1. Agency: NII-88. COSPAR: 1964-016D. USAF Sat Cat: 785. Failed Venus probe. Solar Orbit (Heliocentric). Elaboration of a long range space system and conduct of scientific research. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Luna failure Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6 s/n 5. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F640420A. Decay Date: 1964-04-20. The upper stages broke up on re-entry into the atmosphere.. References: 5, 64, 65.

• Luna 5 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6 s/n 10. Mass: 1,474 kg (3,249 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 159 km (98 mi). Apogee: 219 km (136 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 88.27 min. COSPAR: 1965-036A. USAF Sat Cat: 1366. Decay Date: 1965-05-12. Soft lunar landing attempt. The retrorocket system failed, and the spacecraft impacted the lunar surface at the Sea of Clouds. Western observers, among them England's Sir Bernard Lovell, correctly speculated that the craft's mission was a soft landing. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 16, 64, 296.

• Luna 6 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6 s/n 7. Mass: 1,440 kg (3,170 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6. Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1965-044A. USAF Sat Cat: 1393. Attempted unmanned lunar soft lander. Tass reported that all onboard equipment was functioning normally. Two days into the flight, however, the spacecraft's engine failed to shut down following a midcourse correction. This failure caused Luna 6 to miss its target by 159,612.8 Km.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 16, 296.

• Venera 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-4 s/n 4. Mass: 962 kg (2,120 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 315 km (195 mi). Inclination: 51.80 deg. Period: 89.71 min. COSPAR: 1965-091A. USAF Sat Cat: 1730. Venera 2 was launched towards the planet Venus and carried a TV system and scientific instruments. On February 27, 1966, the spacecraft passed Venus at a distance of 24,000 km and entered a heliocentric orbit. The spacecraft system had ceased to operate before the planet was reached and returned no data.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Venera 3 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-3 s/n 1. Mass: 958 kg (2,112 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-3. Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1965-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 1733. Decay Date: 1966-03-01. Venera 3 was launched towards the planet Venus. The mission was to land on the Venusian surface. The entry vehicle contained a radio communication system, scientific instruments, electrical power sources, and medallions bearing the coat of arms of the U.S.S.R. The station impacted Venus on March 1, 1966. However, the communications systems had failed before planetary data could be returned.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Cosmos 96 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-4 s/n 6. Mass: 960 kg (2,110 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 222 km (137 mi). Apogee: 296 km (183 mi). Inclination: 51.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1965-094A. USAF Sat Cat: 1742. Decay Date: 1965-12-09. The escape stage Block L entered parking orbit tumbling and was not able to operate properly. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Venus launch delayed. Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3MV-3. Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3MV-3. Decay Date: 1965-11-26. The launch attempt was abandoned due to a launch vehicle malfunction during pre-launch preparations. References: 5, 64.

• Luna 9 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6M s/n 13. Mass: 1,580 kg (3,480 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6. Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1966-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 1954. Decay Date: 1966-02-03. Soft landed on Moon; photographed surface for 3 days. Landed on Moon 3 February 1966 at 18:44:52 GMT, Latitude 7.08 N, Longitude 295.63 E - Oceanus Procellarum. The Luna 9 spacecraft was the first spacecraft to achieve a lunar soft landing and to transmit photographic data to Earth. Seven radio sessions, totaling 8 hours and 5 minutes, were transmitted as were three series of TV pictures. When assembled, the photographs provided a panoramic view of the nearby lunar surface. The pictures included views of nearby rocks and of the horizon 1.4 Km away from the spacecraft.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Cosmos 111 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: Ye-6S s/n 204. Mass: 6,540 kg (14,410 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6S. Agency: NII-88. Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). Inclination: 51.80 deg. Period: 88.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 2093. Decay Date: 1966-03-03. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Molniya-1 s/n 5 Failure Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1 s/n 5. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F660327A. References: 64, 65.

• Luna 10 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6S s/n 206 ISL. Mass: 1,597 kg (3,520 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6S. Agency: NII-88. COSPAR: 1966-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 2126. Lunar Orbit (Selenocentric). Development of system to permit the creation of an artificial lunar satellite for the investigation of circumlunar space; development of onboard systems for putting a station into a selenocentric (circumlunar) orbit. Orbit: Lunar Orbiter. The Luna 10 spacecraft was launched towards the Moon from an Earth orbiting platform. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit 3 50 x 1017 km, inclination 71.9 deg to plane of the lunar equator. on April 4, 1966. Scientific instruments included a gamma-ray spectrometer for energies between 0.3--3 MeV, a triaxial magnetometer, a meteorite detector, instruments for solar-plasma studies, and devices for measuring infrared emissions from the Moon and radiation conditions of the lunar environment. Gravitational studies were also conducted. The spacecraft played back to Earth the `Internationale' during the Twenty-third Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Luna 10 was battery powered and operated for 460 lunar orbits and 219 active data transmissions before radio signals were discontinued on May 30, 1966.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Molniya 1-03 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 546 km (339 mi). Apogee: 39,414 km (24,490 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 709.80 min. COSPAR: 1966-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 2151. Decay Date: 1973-06-11. Also transmitted cloud cover images. Television programme transmission and long-range two-way multi-channel telephone, phototelegraph and telegraph communicaitons. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Luna 11 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6LF s/n 101. Mass: 1,638 kg (3,611 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6LF. Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1966-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 2406. Automatic station Luna 11. Further development of artificial lunar satellite systems and conduct of scientific experiments in circumlunar space. Lunar orbit 160 km x 1200 km x 27 degrees. Luna 11 was launched towards the Moon from an earth-orbiting platform and entered lunar orbit on August 28, 1966. The objectives of the mission included the study of: (1) lunar gamma- and X-ray emissions in order to determine the Moon's chemical composition; (2) lunar gravitational anomalies; (3) the concentration of meteorite streams near the Moon; and, (4) the intensity of hard corpuscular radiation near the Moon. A total of 137 radio transmissions and 277 orbits of the Moon were completed before the batteries failed on October 1, 1966.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Molniya 1-04 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 500 km (310 mi). Apogee: 39,689 km (24,661 mi). Inclination: 65.30 deg. Period: 714.40 min. COSPAR: 1966-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 2501. Decay Date: 1968-09-11. Television programme transmission and long-range two-way multi-channel telephone, phototelegraph and telegraph communicaitons. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Luna 12 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6LF s/n 102. Mass: 1,620 kg (3,570 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6LF. Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1966-094A. USAF Sat Cat: 2508. Lunar Orbiter, further development of artificial lunar satellite systems and conduct of scientific experiments in circumlunar space. Luna 12 was launched towards the Moon from an earth-orbiting platform and achieved a lunar orbit of of 100 km x 1740 km on October 25, 1966. The spacecraft was equipped with a television system that obtained and transmitted photographs of the lunar surface. The photographs contained 1100 scan lines with a maximum resolution of 14.9--19.8 m. Pictures of the lunar surface were returned on October 27, 1966. The number of photographs is not known. Radio transmissions from Luna 12 ceased on January 19, 1967, after 602 lunar orbits and 302 radio transmissions.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Luna 13 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-6M s/n 205. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6M. Agency: NII-88. COSPAR: 1966-116A. USAF Sat Cat: 2626. Decay Date: 1966-12-24. Soft landed on Moon 24 December 1966 at 18:01:00 GMT, Latitude 18.87 N, 297.95 E - Oceanus Procellarum. The petal encasement of the spacecraft was opened, antennas were erected, and radio transmissions to Earth began four minutes after the landing. On December 25 and 26, 1966, the spacecraft television system transmitted panoramas of the nearby lunar landscape at different sun angles. Each panorama required approximately 100 minutes to transmit. The spacecraft was equipped with a mechanical soil-measuring penetrometer, a dynamograph, and a radiation densitometer for obtaining data on the mechanical and physical properties and the cosmic-ray reflectivity of the lunar surface. It is believed that transmissions from the spacecraft ceased before the end of December 1966.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Cosmos 159 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Payload: E-6LS s/n 111. Mass: 4,490 kg (9,890 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6LS. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 350 km (210 mi). Apogee: 60,637 km (37,678 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 1,174.20 min. COSPAR: 1967-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 2805. Decay Date: 1977-11-11. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1. The E-6LS was a radio-equipped version of the E-6 used to test tracking and communications networks for the Soviet manned lunar program. The payload entered the desired orbit as Kosmos-159. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-05 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 90 km (55 mi). Apogee: 35,690 km (22,170 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 627.00 min. COSPAR: 1967-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 2822. Decay Date: 1971-11-26. Further development and experimental operation of long-range two-way television and telephone-telegraph radio-communication. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Venera 4 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 1V (V-67) s/n 310. Mass: 1,104 kg (2,433 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 1V (V-67). Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1967-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 2840. Decay Date: 1967-10-18. Venera 4 was successfully launched towards the planet Venus with the announced mission of direct atmospheric studies. On October 18, 1967, the descent vehicle entered the Venusian atmosphere. Signals were returned by the spacecraft, which deployed a parachute after braking to subsonic velocity in the Venusian atmosphere, until it reached an altitude of 24.96 km.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Cosmos 167 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 1V (V-67) s/n 311. Mass: 1,106 kg (2,438 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 1V (V-67). Agency: MOM. Perigee: 211 km (131 mi). Apogee: 264 km (164 mi). Inclination: 51.80 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1967-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 2852. Decay Date: 1967-06-25. Suggestions for the cause of the failure included incorrect soldering of wires in multiple pin plugs, wrong attachments of the plugs to the pyrotechnic connectors, or a mix-up of the pyrotechnic connectors during assembly.. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Cosmos 174 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 430 km (260 mi). Apogee: 39,796 km (24,728 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 715.00 min. COSPAR: 1967-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 2925. Decay Date: 1968-12-30. Probable commsat failure. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-06 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 508 km (315 mi). Apogee: 39,709 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 714.90 min. COSPAR: 1967-095A. USAF Sat Cat: 2973. Decay Date: 1969-03-04. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-07 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 508 km (315 mi). Apogee: 39,709 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 714.90 min. COSPAR: 1967-101A. USAF Sat Cat: 3008. Decay Date: 1969-12-31. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• E-6LS s/n 112 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Payload: E-6LS s/n 112. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6LS. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F680207A. Decay Date: 1968-02-07. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1. Failed launch of an E-6LS radio-equipped version of the E-6 used to test tracking and communications networks for the Soviet manned lunar program. Suggestions for the abnormal consumption included the seizing up of a pintle valve for controlling fuel supply into the regulator or the seizing up of the fuel inlet control. The upper stages broke up in the atmosphere.References: 5, 64, 65.

• Luna 14 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. Payload: E-6LS s/n 113. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-6LS. Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1968-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 3178. Lunar Orbiter; studied lunar gravitational field, Earth-Moon gravitational relationship, and conducted further scientific experiments in circumlunar space. Not revealed until years later was that the E-6LS was primarily intended to test tracking and communications networks for the Soviet manned lunar program. The Luna 14 spacecraft entered a 140 x 870 km x 42 degree lunar orbit on April 10, 1966. The spacecraft instrumentation was similar to that of Luna 10 and provided data for studies of the interaction of the earth and lunar masses, the lunar gravitational field, the propagation and stability of radio communications to the spacecraft at different orbital positions, solar charged particles and cosmic rays, and the motion of the Moon. This flight was the final flight of the second generation of the Luna series.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Molniya 1-08 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 405 km (251 mi). Apogee: 40,099 km (24,916 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 720.80 min. COSPAR: 1968-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 3209. Decay Date: 1974-01-29. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-09 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 396 km (246 mi). Apogee: 39,806 km (24,734 mi). Inclination: 65.10 deg. Period: 714.70 min. COSPAR: 1968-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 3310. Decay Date: 1971-05-15. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-10 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 498 km (309 mi). Apogee: 39,596 km (24,603 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 712.50 min. COSPAR: 1968-085A. USAF Sat Cat: 3469. Decay Date: 1976-07-16. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Cosmos 260 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 506 km (314 mi). Apogee: 39,573 km (24,589 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 712.20 min. COSPAR: 1968-115A. USAF Sat Cat: 3619. Decay Date: 1973-07-09. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Venera 5 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 2V (V-69) s/n 330. Mass: 1,128 kg (2,486 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 2V (V-69). Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1969-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 3642. Decay Date: 1969-05-16. Venera 5 is launched at 9:26 Moscow time from LC-31 in -23 deg C temperatures. All proceeds according to plan. Afterwards Kamanin meets Babakin. Venera 6 is planned for launch in 10 January. He also plans two moon landings in 1969 and two in 1970 of soil sample return spacecraft. Kamanin does not believe America can achieve a manned moon landing in 1969, and therefore that Babakin has a very good chance of stealing their thunder.

  Meanwhile Venera 5 was launched from its parking orbit towards Venus to obtain atmospheric data. The spacecraft was very similar to Venera 4 although it was of a stronger design. When the atmosphere of Venus was approached, a capsule weighing 405 kg and containing scientific instruments was jettisoned from the main spacecraft. During satellite descent towards the surface of Venus, a parachute opened to slow the rate of descent. For 53 min on May 16, 1969, while the capsule was suspended from the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned. The spacecraft also carried a medallion bearing the coat of arms of the U.S.S.R. and a bas-relief of V.I. Lenin to the night side of Venus.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296, 367.

• Venera 6 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 2V (V-69) s/n 331. Mass: 1,128 kg (2,486 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 2V (V-69). Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1969-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 3648. Decay Date: 1969-05-17. Venera 6 was launched towards Venus to obtain atmospheric data. When the atmosphere of Venus was approached, a capsule weighing 405 kg was jettisoned from the main spacecraft. This capsule contained scientific instruments. During descent towards the surface of Venus, a parachute opened to slow the rate of descent. For 51 min on May 17, 1969, while the capsule was suspended from the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned. The spacecraft also carried a medallion bearing the coat of arms of the U.S.S.R. and a bas-relief of V.I. Lenin to the night side of Venus.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Molniya 1-11 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 483 km (300 mi). Apogee: 39,595 km (24,603 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 712.10 min. COSPAR: 1969-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 3885. Decay Date: 1974-04-17. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-12 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 39,526 km (24,560 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 711.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 4043. Decay Date: 1971-06-18. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-13 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 461 km (286 mi). Apogee: 39,170 km (24,330 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 703.10 min. COSPAR: 1970-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 4336. Decay Date: 1975-09-29. The first launch of the 8K78M vehicle from the Plesetsk launch site. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-14 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 459 km (285 mi). Apogee: 39,172 km (24,340 mi). Inclination: 65.50 deg. Period: 703.10 min. COSPAR: 1970-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 4430. Decay Date: 1976-02-16. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya?. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. COSPAR: F700630B. References: 42.

• Venera 7 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3V (V-70) s/n 630. Mass: 1,180 kg (2,600 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3V (V-70). Agency: MOM. COSPAR: 1970-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 4489. Decay Date: 1970-12-15. Venera 7 was launched from an earth parking orbit towards Venus to study the Venusian atmosphere and other phenomena of the planet. Venera 7 entered the atmosphere of Venus on December 15, 1970, and a landing capsule was jettisoned. After aerodynamic braking, a parachute system was deployed. The capsule antenna was extended, and signals were returned for 35 min. Another 23 min of very weak signals were received after the spacecraft landed on Venus. The capsule was the first man-made object to return data after landing on another planet.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Cosmos 359 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3V (V-70) s/n 631. Mass: 1,180 kg (2,600 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3V (V-70). Agency: MOM. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 908 km (564 mi). Inclination: 51.20 deg. Period: 95.70 min. COSPAR: 1970-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 4501. Decay Date: 1970-11-06. Probable Venus probe failure. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Molniya 1-15 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 492 km (305 mi). Apogee: 39,296 km (24,417 mi). Inclination: 65.20 deg. Period: 706.30 min. COSPAR: 1970-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 4569. Decay Date: 1976-03-20. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-16 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 463 km (287 mi). Apogee: 39,895 km (24,789 mi). Inclination: 65.50 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1970-101A. USAF Sat Cat: 4779. Decay Date: 1975-11-25. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-17 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 474 km (294 mi). Apogee: 39,881 km (24,780 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1970-114A. USAF Sat Cat: 4829. Decay Date: 1975-12-22. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-18 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 478 km (297 mi). Apogee: 39,877 km (24,778 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1971-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 5367. Decay Date: 1977-07-19. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 2-01 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 516 km (320 mi). Apogee: 39,553 km (24,577 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 712.00 min. COSPAR: 1971-100A. USAF Sat Cat: 5620. Decay Date: 1976-05-10. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Molniya 1-19 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 522 km (324 mi). Apogee: 39,126 km (24,311 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 703.50 min. COSPAR: 1971-115A. USAF Sat Cat: 5712. Decay Date: 1977-04-13. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64.

• Venera 8 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3V (V-72) s/n 670. Mass: 1,180 kg (2,600 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3V (V-72). Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 246 km (152 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1972-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 5912. Decay Date: 1972-07-22. Venus atmospheric probe. The spacecraft took 117 days to reach Venus, entering the atmosphere on 22 July 1972. Descent speed was reduced from 41,696 km/hr to about 900 km/hr by aerobraking. The 2.5 meter diameter parachute opened at an altitude of 60 km, and a refrigeration system was used to cool the interior components. Venera 8 transmitted data during the descent and continued to send back data for 50 minutes after landing. The probe confirmed the earlier data on the high Venus surface temperature and pressure returned by Venera 7, and also measured the light level as being suitable for surface photography, finding it to be similar to the amount of light on Earth on an overcast day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 296.

• Cosmos 482 Nation: USSR. Program: Venera. Payload: 3V (V-72) s/n 671. Mass: 1,180 kg (2,600 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Venera 3V (V-72). Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 9,806 km (6,093 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 201.40 min. COSPAR: 1972-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 5919. Decay Date: 1981-05-05. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Molniya 1-20 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1 s/n 27. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 343 km (213 mi). Apogee: 40,006 km (24,858 mi). Inclination: 65.70 deg. Period: 717.60 min. COSPAR: 1972-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 5927. Decay Date: 1974-01-30. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRET 1 Nation: France. Payload: MAS/SRET 1. Mass: 15 kg (33 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SRET. Agency: CNES. Perigee: 458 km (284 mi). Apogee: 39,250 km (24,380 mi). Inclination: 65.60 deg. Period: 704.70 min. COSPAR: 1972-025B. USAF Sat Cat: 5928. Decay Date: 1974-02-26. Test satellite. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Prognoz 1 Nation: USSR. Payload: SO-M s/n 501. Mass: 845 kg (1,862 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Prognoz. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,005 km (624 mi). Apogee: 199,667 km (124,067 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 5,782.10 min. COSPAR: 1972-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 5941. Decay Date: 1981-03-31. Study of the processes of solar activity and of their influence on interplanetary space and the Earth's magnetosphere. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-02 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 479 km (297 mi). Apogee: 39,293 km (24,415 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 706.00 min. COSPAR: 1972-037A. USAF Sat Cat: 6031. Decay Date: 1977-03-22. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Prognoz 2 Nation: USSR. Payload: SO-M no. 2. Mass: 845 kg (1,862 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Prognoz. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 517 km (321 mi). Apogee: 201,804 km (125,394 mi). Inclination: 65.30 deg. Period: 5,849.20 min. COSPAR: 1972-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 6068. Decay Date: 1982-12-15. Study of the processes of solar activity and of their influence on interplanetary space and the Earth's magnetosphere. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 520 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #1. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 6,841 km (4,250 mi). Apogee: 33,393 km (20,749 mi). Inclination: 69.90 deg. Period: 715.30 min. COSPAR: 1972-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 6192. Covered Oko constellation plane 3 - 355 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 2-03 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 470 km (290 mi). Apogee: 39,170 km (24,330 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 703.30 min. COSPAR: 1972-075A. USAF Sat Cat: 6208. Decay Date: 1978-01-12. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-21 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 494 km (306 mi). Apogee: 34,684 km (21,551 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 615.40 min. COSPAR: 1972-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 6231. Decay Date: 1977-11-01. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-22 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 462 km (287 mi). Apogee: 39,608 km (24,611 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 712.00 min. COSPAR: 1972-095A. USAF Sat Cat: 6294. Decay Date: 1976-02-11. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-04 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 507 km (315 mi). Apogee: 39,284 km (24,409 mi). Inclination: 65.30 deg. Period: 706.40 min. COSPAR: 1972-098A. USAF Sat Cat: 6308. Decay Date: 1975-01-22. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-23 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 476 km (295 mi). Apogee: 39,602 km (24,607 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 712.20 min. COSPAR: 1973-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 6356. Decay Date: 1977-10-23. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Prognoz 3 Nation: USSR. Payload: SO-M no. 3. Mass: 845 kg (1,862 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Prognoz. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 896 km (556 mi). Apogee: 199,442 km (123,927 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 5,768.60 min. COSPAR: 1973-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 6364. Decay Date: 1976-12-31. Solar flare monitor. Study of the processes of solar activity and of their influence on interplanetary space and the Earth's magnetosphere. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-05 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 532 km (330 mi). Apogee: 39,822 km (24,744 mi). Inclination: 65.20 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1973-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 6418. Decay Date: 1979-01-06. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-06 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 479 km (297 mi). Apogee: 39,292 km (24,414 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 706.00 min. COSPAR: 1973-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 6722. Decay Date: 1978-08-05. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-24 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 463 km (287 mi). Apogee: 39,893 km (24,788 mi). Inclination: 65.50 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1973-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 6805. Decay Date: 1979-12-05. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-07 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 555 km (344 mi). Apogee: 40,055 km (24,888 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 722.90 min. COSPAR: 1973-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 6877. Decay Date: 1983-07-08. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 606 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #2. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,964 km (3,084 mi). Apogee: 35,385 km (21,987 mi). Inclination: 69.50 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1973-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 6916. Replaced Cosmos 520. Covered Oko constellation plane 3 - 359 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 1-25 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 461 km (286 mi). Apogee: 39,607 km (24,610 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 712.00 min. COSPAR: 1973-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 6932. Decay Date: 1979-05-26. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-26 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 619 km (384 mi). Apogee: 40,829 km (25,369 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 740.00 min. COSPAR: 1973-097A. USAF Sat Cat: 6958. Decay Date: 1985-06-09. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-08 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 434 km (269 mi). Apogee: 39,934 km (24,813 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1973-106A. USAF Sat Cat: 7000. Decay Date: 1984-11-24. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-27 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 606 km (376 mi). Apogee: 39,752 km (24,700 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1974-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 7260. Decay Date: 1983-11-17. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-09 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,309 km (813 mi). Apogee: 35,168 km (21,852 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 640.60 min. COSPAR: 1974-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 7276. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 665 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #3. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 298 km (185 mi). Apogee: 39,653 km (24,639 mi). Inclination: 61.80 deg. Period: 709.60 min. COSPAR: 1974-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 7352. Decay Date: 1990-07-06. Covered Oko constellation plane 2 - 315 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 2-10 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,501 km (932 mi). Apogee: 38,868 km (24,151 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 718.10 min. COSPAR: 1974-056A. USAF Sat Cat: 7376. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-28 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1 s/n 26. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 607 km (377 mi). Apogee: 40,633 km (25,248 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 735.80 min. COSPAR: 1974-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 7480. Decay Date: 1985-12-29. Decay date suspect 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 3-01 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 11. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Apogee: 40,095 km (24,913 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.60 min. COSPAR: 1974-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 7540. Decay Date: 1986-05-15. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-11 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 305 km (189 mi). Apogee: 40,065 km (24,895 mi). Inclination: 61.90 deg. Period: 718.10 min. COSPAR: 1974-102A. USAF Sat Cat: 7583. Decay Date: 1988-07-07. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 706 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #4. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,977 km (3,092 mi). Apogee: 35,365 km (21,974 mi). Inclination: 67.80 deg. Period: 717.60 min. COSPAR: 1975-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 7625. Covered Oko constellation planes 7/8 - 182 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 2-12 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 653 km (405 mi). Apogee: 40,746 km (25,318 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 738.70 min. COSPAR: 1975-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 7641. Decay Date: 1985-07-04. Decay date suspect Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 3-02 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 12. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 174 km (108 mi). Apogee: 39,323 km (24,434 mi). Inclination: 61.90 deg. Period: 700.50 min. COSPAR: 1975-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 7738. Decay Date: 1988-11-29. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-29 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,983 km (1,232 mi). Apogee: 38,379 km (23,847 mi). Inclination: 63.80 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 1975-036A. USAF Sat Cat: 7780. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-30 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1 s/n 24. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 121 km (75 mi). Apogee: 38,307 km (23,802 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 679.10 min. COSPAR: 1975-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 7903. Decay Date: 1987-08-12. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRET 2 Nation: France. Payload: SRET 2 (MAS 2). Mass: 30 kg (66 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SRET. Agency: CNES. Perigee: 513 km (318 mi). Apogee: 40,825 km (25,367 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 737.80 min. COSPAR: 1975-049B. USAF Sat Cat: 7910. Decay Date: 1988-07-10. SRET 2 technological research and study satellite. Launched from Soviet Union with a Soviet launch vehicle with the Molniya satellite. Mass 30 kg. Study of the behaviour of a passive cryogenic radiation system, study of the aging of thermal casings and pl astic films.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-13 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,887 km (1,172 mi). Apogee: 38,492 km (23,917 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 718.30 min. COSPAR: 1975-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 8015. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-31 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 633 km (393 mi). Apogee: 40,598 km (25,226 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 735.60 min. COSPAR: 1975-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 8187. Decay Date: 1985-11-19. 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. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-14 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,840 km (1,140 mi). Apogee: 38,534 km (23,943 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 718.20 min. COSPAR: 1975-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 8195. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 3-03 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 13. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,823 km (1,132 mi). Apogee: 38,527 km (23,939 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1975-105A. USAF Sat Cat: 8425. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-15 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 103 km (64 mi). Apogee: 24,113 km (14,983 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 416.90 min. COSPAR: 1975-121A. USAF Sat Cat: 8492. Decay Date: 1987-03-07. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Prognoz 4 Nation: USSR. Payload: SO-M s/n 504. Mass: 905 kg (1,995 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Prognoz. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 634 km (393 mi). Apogee: 199,000 km (123,000 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 5,740.00 min. COSPAR: 1975-122A. USAF Sat Cat: 8510. Decay Date: 1977-12-31. Investigation of the corpuscular and electromagnetic radiation of the sun and of solar plasma fluxes, study of the magnetic fields in circumterrestrial space in order to determine the effects of solar activity on the interplanetary medium and in the magne tosphere of the earth.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 3-04 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 no. s/n 15. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 452 km (280 mi). Apogee: 40,708 km (25,294 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 733.80 min. COSPAR: 1975-125A. USAF Sat Cat: 8521. Decay Date: 1986-08-12. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-32 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,247 km (1,396 mi). Apogee: 38,210 km (23,740 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 719.80 min. COSPAR: 1976-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 8601. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-33 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 151 km (93 mi). Apogee: 37,773 km (23,471 mi). Inclination: 62.60 deg. Period: 669.10 min. COSPAR: 1976-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 8741. Decay Date: 1990-10-10. 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). Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-34 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 617 km (383 mi). Apogee: 39,722 km (24,682 mi). Inclination: 62.70 deg. Period: 717.40 min. COSPAR: 1976-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 8762. Decay Date: 1985-05-14. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 3-05 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 16. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 93 km (57 mi). Apogee: 37,589 km (23,356 mi). Inclination: 62.10 deg. Period: 664.30 min. COSPAR: 1976-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 8833. Decay Date: 1990-04-14. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 837 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2 s/n 27. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 438 km (272 mi). Apogee: 936 km (581 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 98.50 min. COSPAR: 1976-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 8927. Decay Date: 1983-11-18. Failed Molniya. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Molniya 1-35 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 483 km (300 mi). Apogee: 38,911 km (24,178 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 698.40 min. COSPAR: 1976-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 9049. Decay Date: 1987-05-29. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 853 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2 s/n 26. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 243 km (150 mi). Apogee: 461 km (286 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 91.60 min. COSPAR: 1976-088A. USAF Sat Cat: 9398. Decay Date: 1976-12-31. Failed Molniya. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 64, 65.

• Cosmos 862 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #5. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 3,620 km (2,240 mi). Apogee: 36,759 km (22,840 mi). Inclination: 68.30 deg. Period: 718.30 min. COSPAR: 1976-105A. USAF Sat Cat: 9495. Covered Oko constellation plane 5 - 86 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Prognoz 5 Nation: USSR. Payload: SO-M s/n 505. Mass: 930 kg (2,050 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Prognoz. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 777 km (482 mi). Apogee: 198,560 km (123,370 mi). Inclination: 65.20 deg. Period: 5,728.00 min. COSPAR: 1976-112A. USAF Sat Cat: 9557. Decay Date: 1979-07-12. Investigation of the corpuscular and electromagnetic radiation of the sun and of solar plasma fluxes, study of the magnetic fields in circumterrestrial space in order to determine the effects of solar activity on the interplanetary medium and in the magne tosphere of the earth.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-16 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 85 km (52 mi). Apogee: 36,437 km (22,640 mi). Inclination: 62.00 deg. Period: 641.50 min. COSPAR: 1976-116A. USAF Sat Cat: 9574. Decay Date: 1991-02-21. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 3-06 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 17. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 426 km (264 mi). Apogee: 13,594 km (8,446 mi). Inclination: 59.50 deg. Period: 257.00 min. COSPAR: 1976-127A. USAF Sat Cat: 9635. Decay Date: 1990-02-06. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 2-17 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-2. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,176 km (1,352 mi). Apogee: 38,214 km (23,745 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 718.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 9829. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Molniya 1-36 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,288 km (1,421 mi). Apogee: 38,042 km (23,638 mi). Inclination: 63.70 deg. Period: 717.30 min. COSPAR: 1977-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 9880. 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.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 903 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #6. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,559 km (2,832 mi). Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Inclination: 67.40 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 9911. Covered Oko constellation plane 7 - 163 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 3-07 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 19. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,169 km (1,347 mi). Apogee: 38,201 km (23,736 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 718.10 min. COSPAR: 1977-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 9941. 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).References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 917 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #7. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,196 km (2,607 mi). Apogee: 36,143 km (22,458 mi). Inclination: 67.60 deg. Period: 717.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-047A. USAF Sat Cat: 10059. Covered Oko constellation plane 9 - 245 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 1-37 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 106 km (65 mi). Apogee: 4,564 km (2,835 mi). Inclination: 62.60 deg. Period: 134.90 min. COSPAR: 1977-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 10092. Decay Date: 1993-05-20. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Cosmos 931 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #8. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 3,770 km (2,340 mi). Apogee: 36,549 km (22,710 mi). Inclination: 66.50 deg. Period: 717.10 min. COSPAR: 1977-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 10150. Replaced Cosmos 665. Covered Oko constellation plane 2 - 323 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100.

• Molniya 1-38 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class</