MISSION OVERVIEW
Molniya communication satellites operating from a highly elliptical orbit
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Molniya-MAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Molniya-3 49L
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
43/4 (43R)LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ba7ff4e9-0021-4740-b49d-35b7d1cc7aee
Reported date: May 26, 1988 at 15:27 UTC
Last synced: 6 minutes 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 49L launch?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 49L is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 1988 at 3:27 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 49L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 49L 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 49L launching from?
The launch takes place from 43/4 (43R) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Molniya-3 49L going to?
The Molniya-3 49L mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Molniya-3 49L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 49L is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 49L 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 05:34 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch date set: May 26, 1988 at 15:27 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 6 minutes ago
●Launch Library 26 minutes ago
Launch ID: ba7ff4e9-0021-4740-b49d-35b7d1cc7aee
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 62.93, 40.46
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
Molniya-3 49L was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 43/4 (43R), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on May 26, 1988. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.