HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesMolniya-3 No. 21L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-3 No. 21L

Re-entered 26 Sep 1992

Molniya-3 No. 21L (NORAD 11384, COSPAR 1979-048A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Sep 1992, launched on 5 Jun 1979 on the Molniya-3 No. 21 mission. It was operated by NPOPM / MSVYAZ as part of the Molniya-3 programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOPM on the Molniya-3 bus, with a mass of 1,750 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.

1979
launched
1992
re-entered
13
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Jun 1979 · on the Molniya-3 No. 21 mission
Operational20 Jun 1983 · entered service
Retired20 Jun 1983 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Sep 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11384
COSPAR1979-048A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNPOPM / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude465 × 39,897 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 21L?

Molniya-3 No. 21L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Sep 1992, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1979. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-3 No. 21L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 21L re-entered on 26 Sep 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 21L?

Molniya-3 No. 21L was operated by NPOPM / MSVYAZ and built by NPOPM (SU).

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