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Molniya-1T No. 76L

Re-entered 2 Aug 2002

Molniya-1T No. 76L (NORAD 16220, COSPAR 1985-103A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Aug 2002, launched on 28 Oct 1985 on the Molniya-1 No. 56 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.

1985
launched
2002
re-entered
17
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Oct 1985 · on the Molniya-1 No. 56 mission
Operational1 Jan 1990 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1990 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Aug 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16220
COSPAR1985-103A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1T
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude563 × 39,790 km
Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1T No. 76L?

Molniya-1T No. 76L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Aug 2002, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1985. 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. 76L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1T No. 76L re-entered on 2 Aug 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1T No. 76L?

Molniya-1T No. 76L 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.