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Molniya-1 No. 4L

Re-entered 17 Mar 1967

Molniya-1 No. 4L (NORAD 1621, COSPAR 1965-080A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Mar 1967, launched on 14 Oct 1965 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 4 mission. It was operated by OKB10 as part of the Molniya-1 programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB10 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.

1965
launched
1967
re-entered
2
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Oct 1965 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 4 mission
Operational18 Feb 1966 · entered service
Retired18 Feb 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered17 Mar 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1621
COSPAR1965-080A
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB10
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude560 × 39,716 km
Inclination65.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 4L?

Molniya-1 No. 4L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Mar 1967, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1965. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-1 No. 4L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 4L re-entered on 17 Mar 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 4L?

Molniya-1 No. 4L was operated by OKB10 and built by OKB10 (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.