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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-1T No. 81L

Re-entered 16 Dec 1999

Molniya-1T No. 81L (NORAD 19377, COSPAR 1988-069A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Dec 1999, launched on 12 Aug 1988 on the Molniya-1 No. 66 mission. It was operated by UNKS 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.

1988
launched
1999
re-entered
11
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Aug 1988 · on the Molniya-1 No. 66 mission
Operational1 Jun 1991 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1991 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Dec 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19377
COSPAR1988-069A
TypeSatellite
OperatorUNKS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1T
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude571 × 39,783 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1T No. 81L?

Molniya-1T No. 81L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Dec 1999, 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-1T No. 81L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1T No. 81L re-entered on 16 Dec 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1T No. 81L?

Molniya-1T No. 81L was operated by UNKS and built by NPOPM (SU).

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