HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesMolniya-1K No. 50L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-1K No. 50L

Re-entered 11 Aug 2015

Molniya-1K No. 50L (NORAD 11007, COSPAR 1978-080A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Aug 2015, launched on 22 Aug 1978 on the Molniya-1 mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Molniya-1K programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOPM on the Molniya-1 bus, with a mass of 1,650 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1978
launched
2015
re-entered
37
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Aug 1978 · on the Molniya-1 mission
Operational1 Jun 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1983 · end of operational service
Re-entered11 Aug 2015 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11007
COSPAR1978-080A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1K
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude488 × 39,863 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1K No. 50L?

Molniya-1K No. 50L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Aug 2015, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1978. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-1K No. 50L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1K No. 50L re-entered on 11 Aug 2015, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1K No. 50L?

Molniya-1K No. 50L was operated by GUKOSR and built by NPOPM (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.