Molniya-1K No. 56L

Re-entered 1 Apr 1991

Molniya-1K No. 56L (NORAD 11856, COSPAR 1980-053A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 1991, launched on 21 Jun 1980 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.

1980

launched

1991

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Jun 1980 · on the Molniya-1 mission

Operational1 Aug 1982 · entered service

Retired1 Aug 1982 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Apr 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11856

COSPAR1980-053A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerNPOPM

BusMolniya-1

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-1K

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (HEO/M)

Altitude632 × 39,725 km

Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1K No. 56L?

Molniya-1K No. 56L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 1991, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1980. 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. 56L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1K No. 56L re-entered on 1 Apr 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1K No. 56L?

Molniya-1K No. 56L 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.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Molniya-1 → What is space debris? →