SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM

Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L

SUCCESSJan 9, 1981 at 14:57 UTCMolniya-M →
PAD41/1
SITEPlesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation →
ORBITElliptical Orbit
TYPECommunications

Molniya communication satellites operating from a highly elliptical orbit

VEHICLE
Molniya-M
MISSION
Molniya-3 25L
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
41/1
COUNTRY
RUS
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 7ace9d7b-c156-462d-ac2f-5928d07a8817
Reported date: Jan 9, 1981 at 14:57 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Russian Space Forces
VARIANT
2BL
FLIGHTS
272
SUCCESSES
259
SUCCESS RATE
95.2%
When is the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L launch?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 1981 at 2:57 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Molniya-3 25L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L mission uses the Molniya-M rocket, manufactured by Russian Space Forces. The Molniya-M has flown 272 times with a 95.2% success rate.
Where is the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L launching from?
The launch takes place from 41/1 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Molniya-3 25L going to?
The Molniya-3 25L mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Molniya-3 25L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 25L launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch date set: Jan 9, 1981 at 14:57 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 7 hours ago
Launch Library 219 hours ago
Launch ID: 7ace9d7b-c156-462d-ac2f-5928d07a8817
Open-Meteo Weather19 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.94, 40.53

Mission Profile

Molniya-3 25L was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 41/1, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on January 9, 1981. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.