# Molniya 3-48

> 24640

**Wikidata**: [Q111498641](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498641)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/molniya-3-48

## Summary
Molniya 3-48 is a Russian communications satellite launched as part of the Molniya 3 series, designated by the catalog number 24640. It operates in a high elliptical orbit to provide telecommunications and military communications support, particularly in high-latitude regions. The satellite is part of a broader network designed to ensure continuous coverage over Russia and polar areas.

## Key Facts
- **Catalog Number**: 24640 (NORAD ID).
- **Class**: Artificial satellite.
- **Series**: Molniya 3, a Soviet/Russian satellite constellation.
- **Primary Use**: Telecommunications and military communications.
- **Operator**: Russian government/military.
- **Orbit Type**: High elliptical (Molniya orbit) with a 12-hour orbital period.
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: `Entity["Satellite", "24640"]`.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Molniya 3-48?
A: Molniya 3-48 was designed to provide telecommunications and military communications support, especially in high-latitude regions not effectively covered by geostationary satellites.

### Q: Who operated Molniya 3-48?
A: The satellite was operated by the Russian government and military as part of the Molniya satellite constellation.

### Q: What type of orbit did Molniya 3-48 use?
A: It utilized a high elliptical orbit (Molniya orbit) with a 12-hour period, optimized for prolonged visibility over Russian territory and polar regions.

## Why It Matters
Molniya 3-48 played a critical role in maintaining telecommunications and military command capabilities for Russia, particularly in remote and high-latitude areas. Its unique Molniya orbit allowed for extended coverage over regions where geostationary satellites are less effective. As part of the Molniya constellation, it contributed to a robust communication network essential for both civilian and military operations, ensuring connectivity across vast territories. This satellite underscored the strategic importance of space-based assets in supporting national infrastructure and defense systems.

## Notable For
- **High Elliptical Orbit**: Enabled prolonged visibility over Russia and polar regions.
- **Military and Civilian Use**: Supported both government and defense communications.
- **Part of Molniya Constellation**: Contributed to a network of satellites ensuring continuous coverage.
- **12-Hour Orbital Period**: Provided consistent and reliable communication windows.

## Body
### Satellite Overview
Molniya 3-48, identified by the catalog number 24640, was a communications satellite developed under the Soviet and later Russian Molniya program. The name "Molniya" (meaning "lightning" in Russian) reflects the satellite's role in enabling rapid communication across vast distances.

### Orbital Characteristics
- **Molniya Orbit**: The satellite followed a highly elliptical orbit with a 12-hour period, featuring a high apogee (approximately 40,000 km) and low perigee (500 km). This trajectory allowed it to remain visible in the northern latitudes for extended periods.
- **Coverage**: The orbit was specifically designed to support communications in high-latitude regions, including Siberia and the Arctic, where geostationary satellites are less effective due to Earth’s curvature.

### Mission and Operations
- **Launch and Deployment**: While the exact launch date of Molniya 3-48 is not specified in the provided data, Molniya-series satellites were typically launched using Proton rockets from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- **Functionality**: The satellite facilitated voice, data, and television signal transmission, as well as secure military communications. Its design emphasized reliability and longevity in harsh space environments.

### Legacy
Molniya 3-48 exemplified the Soviet and Russian emphasis on space-based communication infrastructure. Though later supplanted by more advanced systems like the Express series, the Molniya constellation remained operational for decades, highlighting its adaptability and the strategic necessity of polar communication networks.