MISSION OVERVIEW
Molniya communication satellites operating from a highly elliptical orbit
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Molniya-MAGENCY
Progress Rocket Space Center
MISSION
Molniya-3 61L
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: 1090911e-0d21-4e56-a043-7986b51dcf28
Reported date: Jul 1, 1998 at 00:48 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours 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 61L launch?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 61L is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 1998 at 12:48 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 61L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 61L 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 61L launching from?
The launch takes place from 43/3 (43L) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Molniya-3 61L going to?
The Molniya-3 61L mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Molniya-3 61L?
The Molniya-M | Molniya-3 61L is operated by Progress Rocket Space Center.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | Molniya-3 61L 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 01:16 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch date set: Jul 1, 1998 at 00:48 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Progress Rocket Space Center
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 hours ago
●Launch Library 219 hours ago
Launch ID: 1090911e-0d21-4e56-a043-7986b51dcf28
●Open-Meteo Weather19 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.93, 40.45
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Mission Profile
Molniya-3 61L was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Progress Rocket Space Center that lifted off from 43/3 (43L), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on July 1, 1998. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.