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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-3 No. 49

Re-entered 15 Mar 2002

Molniya-3 No. 49 (NORAD 19189, COSPAR 1988-044A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Mar 2002, launched on 26 May 1988 on the Molniya-3 No. 49 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.

1988
launched
2002
re-entered
14
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 May 1988 · on the Molniya-3 No. 49 mission
Operational18 Aug 1992 · entered service
Retired18 Aug 1992 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Mar 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19189
COSPAR1988-044A
TypeSatellite
OperatorUNKS / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude576 × 39,776 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 49?

Molniya-3 No. 49 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Mar 2002, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1988. 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. 49 re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 49 re-entered on 15 Mar 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 49?

Molniya-3 No. 49 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.