Molniya-1 No.2, was the first Soviet communications satellite to be launched. It was a 1,600-kilogram (3,500 lb) Molniya-1 spacecraft, however it failed to achieve orbit due to a malfunction of the rocket which was carrying it. Molniya-1 No.2 was launched at 05:00 UTC on 4 June 1964, atop a Molniya 8K78 carrier rocket, flying from Site 1/5 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Read more