Molniya-3 No. 31L
Re-entered 9 Jan 1997Molniya-3 No. 31L (NORAD 12915, COSPAR 1981-105A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Jan 1997, launched on 17 Oct 1981 on the Molniya-3 No. 31 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-3 No. 31L?
Molniya-3 No. 31L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Jan 1997, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1981. 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. 31L re-enter the atmosphere?
Molniya-3 No. 31L re-entered on 9 Jan 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 31L?
Molniya-3 No. 31L was operated by NPOPM / MSVYAZ and built by NPOPM (SU).