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Molniya-1K No. 60L

Re-entered 18 Jan 1986

Molniya-1K No. 60L (NORAD 13685, COSPAR 1982-115A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jan 1986, launched on 8 Dec 1982 on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 60 mission. It was operated by GUKOS 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.

1982
launched
1986
re-entered
4
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Dec 1982 · on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 60 mission
Operational11 Dec 1982 · entered service
Retired11 Dec 1982 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Jan 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID13685
COSPAR1982-115A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1K
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude422 × 488 km
Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1K No. 60L?

Molniya-1K No. 60L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jan 1986, 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-1K No. 60L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1K No. 60L re-entered on 18 Jan 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1K No. 60L?

Molniya-1K No. 60L was operated by GUKOS and built by NPOPM (SU).

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