Molniya-3 No. 43
Re-entered 25 Feb 1999Molniya-3 No. 43 (NORAD 16683, COSPAR 1986-031A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Feb 1999, launched on 18 Apr 1986 on the Molniya-3 No. 43 mission. It was operated by GUKOS / 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-3 No. 43?
Molniya-3 No. 43 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Feb 1999, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1986. 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. 43 re-enter the atmosphere?
Molniya-3 No. 43 re-entered on 25 Feb 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 43?
Molniya-3 No. 43 was operated by GUKOS / MSVYAZ and built by NPOPM (SU).