🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Molniya-1
Retired 1991Molniya-1 (NORAD 15429, COSPAR 1984-124A) is a retired SU satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jun 1991, launched on 14 Dec 1984 on the Molniya-1 No. 55 mission. It is catalogued as Molniya-1K No. 71L. 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. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1984
launched
1991
retired
42
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched14 Dec 1984 · on the Molniya-1 No. 55 mission
Operational1 Jul 1989 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1991 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID15429
COSPAR1984-124A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1K
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude470 × 39,882 km
Inclination62.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-1?
Molniya-1 was retired from service around 1 Jun 1991 after launching in 1984. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was Molniya-1 operational?
Molniya-1 was operational for roughly 23 months, from 1 Jul 1989 to 1 Jun 1991.
Who operated and built Molniya-1?
Molniya-1 was operated by GUKOS and built by NPOPM (SU).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-19.