HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesMolniya-3 No. 41
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-3 No. 41

Re-entered 15 Oct 1999

Molniya-3 No. 41 (NORAD 17038, COSPAR 1986-079A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Oct 1999, launched on 20 Oct 1986 on the Molniya-3 No. 41 mission. It was operated by UNKS / 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.

1986
launched
1999
re-entered
13
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Oct 1986 · on the Molniya-3 No. 41 mission
Operational13 Apr 1992 · entered service
Retired13 Apr 1992 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Oct 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID17038
COSPAR1986-079A
TypeSatellite
OperatorUNKS / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude612 × 39,736 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 41?

Molniya-3 No. 41 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Oct 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. 41 re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 41 re-entered on 15 Oct 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 41?

Molniya-3 No. 41 was operated by UNKS / MSVYAZ and built by NPOPM (SU).

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