SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
Molniya-M | Molniya-3 31L
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Oct 17, 1981 at 05:59 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Molniya communication satellites operating from a highly elliptical orbit
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Molniya-MAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Molniya-3 31L
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
41/1LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 71675d84-8d80-4cf7-bde5-832be82ee9bf
Reported date: Oct 17, 1981 at 05:59 UTC
Last synced: 44 seconds ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Molniya-M →
MANUFACTURER
Russian Space Forces
VARIANT
2BL
FLIGHTS
272
SUCCESSES
259
SUCCESS RATE
95.2%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 31L launch?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 31L is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 1981 at 5:59 AM 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 31L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 31L 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 31L launching from?
The launch takes place from 41/1 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Molniya-3 31L going to?
The Molniya-3 31L mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Molniya-3 31L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 31L is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 31L 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.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
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: Oct 17, 1981 at 05:59 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 44 seconds ago
●Launch Library 245 seconds ago
Launch ID: 71675d84-8d80-4cf7-bde5-832be82ee9bf
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 62.94, 40.53
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Mission Profile
Molniya-3 31L was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 41/1, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on October 17, 1981. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.