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Molniya-3 No. 58

Re-entered 31 Dec 2013

Molniya-3 No. 58 (NORAD 22729, COSPAR 1993-049A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Dec 2013, launched on 4 Aug 1993 on the Molniya-3 No. 58 mission. It was operated by VKS / GPKS 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.

1993
launched
2013
re-entered
20
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Aug 1993 · on the Molniya-3 No. 58 mission
Operational1 Sep 1999 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 1999 · end of operational service
Re-entered31 Dec 2013 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID22729
COSPAR1993-049A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVKS / GPKS
Country / StateRU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude449 × 39,904 km
Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 58?

Molniya-3 No. 58 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Dec 2013, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1993. 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. 58 re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 58 re-entered on 31 Dec 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 58?

Molniya-3 No. 58 was operated by VKS / GPKS and built by NPOPM (RU).

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