SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
Molniya-M | Molniya-3 52L
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Dec 22, 1988 at 14:15 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 52L
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
43/3 (43L)LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 816616f9-1957-4548-98ce-22aeac3ad861
Reported date: Dec 22, 1988 at 14:15 UTC
Last synced: 1 minute 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 52L launch?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 52L is scheduled for Thursday, December 22, 1988 at 2:15 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 52L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 52L 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 52L launching from?
The launch takes place from 43/3 (43L) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Molniya-3 52L going to?
The Molniya-3 52L mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Molniya-3 52L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 52L is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 52L 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: Dec 22, 1988 at 14:15 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: 1 minute ago
●Launch Library 21 minute ago
Launch ID: 816616f9-1957-4548-98ce-22aeac3ad861
●Open-Meteo Weather5 days ago
Pad weather at 62.93, 40.45
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Mission Profile
Molniya-3 52L was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 43/3 (43L), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on December 22, 1988. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.