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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-1K No. 66L

Re-entered 23 Feb 1995

Molniya-1K No. 66L (NORAD 14199, COSPAR 1983-073A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Feb 1995, launched on 19 Jul 1983 on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 66 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.

1983
launched
1995
re-entered
12
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Jul 1983 · on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 66 mission
Operational1 May 1985 · entered service
Retired1 May 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Feb 1995 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID14199
COSPAR1983-073A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1K
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude478 × 39,876 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1K No. 66L?

Molniya-1K No. 66L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Feb 1995, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1983. 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. 66L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1K No. 66L re-entered on 23 Feb 1995, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1K No. 66L?

Molniya-1K No. 66L 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.