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Molniya-3 No. 62

Re-entered 18 Oct 2007

Molniya-3 No. 62 (NORAD 24640, COSPAR 1996-060A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Oct 2007, launched on 24 Oct 1996 on the Molniya-3 No. 62 mission. It was operated by VKS / GPKS as part of the Molniya-3 programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOPMR 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.

1996
launched
2007
re-entered
11
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Oct 1996 · on the Molniya-3 No. 62 mission
Operational1 Jan 1999 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1999 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Oct 2007 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24640
COSPAR1996-060A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVKS / GPKS
Country / StateRU
ManufacturerNPOPMR
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude629 × 39,725 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 62?

Molniya-3 No. 62 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Oct 2007, 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-3 No. 62 re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 62 re-entered on 18 Oct 2007, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 62?

Molniya-3 No. 62 was operated by VKS / GPKS and built by NPOPMR (RU).

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