Molniya-1T No. 96L

Re-entered 7 Apr 2012

Molniya-1T No. 96L (NORAD 24273, COSPAR 1996-045A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Apr 2012, launched on 14 Aug 1996 on the Molniya-1T mission. It was operated by VKS as part of the Molniya-1T programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOPMR on the Molniya-1T bus, with a mass of 1,670 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.

1996

launched

2012

re-entered

years on orbit

1,670

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Aug 1996 · on the Molniya-1T mission

Operational1 Jan 2001 · entered service

Retired1 Jan 2001 · end of operational service

Re-entered7 Apr 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24273

COSPAR1996-045A

TypeSatellite

OperatorVKS

Country / StateRU

ManufacturerNPOPMR

BusMolniya-1T

Mass1,670 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-1T

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (HEO/M)

Altitude495 × 39,859 km

Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1T No. 96L?

Molniya-1T No. 96L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Apr 2012, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1996. 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. 96L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1T No. 96L re-entered on 7 Apr 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1T No. 96L?

Molniya-1T No. 96L was operated by VKS and built by NPOPMR (RU).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Molniya-1T → What is space debris? →