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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-3 No. 35L

Re-entered 18 Aug 1993

Molniya-3 No. 35L (NORAD 14570, COSPAR 1983-123A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Aug 1993, launched on 21 Dec 1983 on the Molniya-3 No. 35 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
1993
re-entered
10
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1983 · on the Molniya-3 No. 35 mission
Operational13 Aug 1990 · entered service
Retired13 Aug 1990 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Aug 1993 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID14570
COSPAR1983-123A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNPOPM / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude610 × 39,754 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 35L?

Molniya-3 No. 35L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Aug 1993, 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. 35L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 35L re-entered on 18 Aug 1993, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 35L?

Molniya-3 No. 35L 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.