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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-3 No. 29L

Re-entered 23 Jun 1992

Molniya-3 No. 29L (NORAD 13107, COSPAR 1982-023A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 1992, launched on 24 Mar 1982 on the Molniya-3 No. 29 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.

1982
launched
1992
re-entered
10
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Mar 1982 · on the Molniya-3 No. 29 mission
Operational3 Apr 1989 · entered service
Retired3 Apr 1989 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Jun 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID13107
COSPAR1982-023A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNPOPM / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude629 × 39,724 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 29L?

Molniya-3 No. 29L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 1992, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1982. 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. 29L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 29L re-entered on 23 Jun 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 29L?

Molniya-3 No. 29L 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.