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Molniya-3 No. 32L

Re-entered 22 May 2001

Molniya-3 No. 32L (NORAD 14313, COSPAR 1983-090A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 May 2001, launched on 30 Aug 1983 on the Molniya-3 No. 32 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.

1983
launched
2001
re-entered
18
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Aug 1983 · on the Molniya-3 No. 32 mission
Operational7 Aug 1988 · entered service
Retired7 Aug 1988 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 May 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID14313
COSPAR1983-090A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNPOPM / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude477 × 39,874 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 32L?

Molniya-3 No. 32L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 May 2001, 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-3 No. 32L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 32L re-entered on 22 May 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 32L?

Molniya-3 No. 32L 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.