Molniya-3 No. 45
Re-entered 14 Dec 2001Molniya-3 No. 45 (NORAD 20052, COSPAR 1989-043A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Dec 2001, launched on 8 Jun 1989 on the Molniya-3 No. 45 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-3 No. 45?
Molniya-3 No. 45 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Dec 2001, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1989. 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. 45 re-enter the atmosphere?
Molniya-3 No. 45 re-entered on 14 Dec 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 45?
Molniya-3 No. 45 was operated by UNKS / MSVYAZ and built by NPOPM (SU).