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Molniya-1T No. 69L

Re-entered 31 Dec 2002

Molniya-1T No. 69L (NORAD 15182, COSPAR 1984-085A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Dec 2002, launched on 10 Aug 1984 on the Molniya-1 No. 53 mission. It was operated by GUKOS as part of the Molniya-1T 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.

1984
launched
2002
re-entered
18
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Aug 1984 · on the Molniya-1 No. 53 mission
Operational25 Nov 1988 · entered service
Retired25 Nov 1988 · end of operational service
Re-entered31 Dec 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID15182
COSPAR1984-085A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1T
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude470 × 40,746 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1T No. 69L?

Molniya-1T No. 69L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Dec 2002, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1984. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-1T No. 69L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1T No. 69L re-entered on 31 Dec 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1T No. 69L?

Molniya-1T No. 69L 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.