Molniya-3 No. 53
Re-entered 23 Jun 2003Molniya-3 No. 53 (NORAD 20444, COSPAR 1990-006A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 2003, launched on 23 Jan 1990 on the Molniya-3 No. 53 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. 53?
Molniya-3 No. 53 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 2003, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1990. 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. 53 re-enter the atmosphere?
Molniya-3 No. 53 re-entered on 23 Jun 2003, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 53?
Molniya-3 No. 53 was operated by UNKS / MSVYAZ and built by NPOPM (SU).