Molniya-1 No. 7L

Re-entered 11 Sep 1968

Molniya-1 No. 7L (NORAD 2501, COSPAR 1966-092A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Sep 1968, launched on 20 Oct 1966 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 7 mission. It was operated by OKB10 as part of the Molniya-1 programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB10 on the Molniya-1 bus, with a mass of 1,650 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.

1966

launched

1968

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Oct 1966 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 7 mission

Operational29 Jan 1968 · entered service

Retired29 Jan 1968 · end of operational service

Re-entered11 Sep 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2501

COSPAR1966-092A

TypeSatellite

OperatorOKB10

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB10

BusMolniya-1

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-1

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (GTO)

Altitude464 × 39,907 km

Inclination64.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 7L?

Molniya-1 No. 7L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Sep 1968, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1966. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-1 No. 7L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 7L re-entered on 11 Sep 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 7L?

Molniya-1 No. 7L was operated by OKB10 and built by OKB10 (SU).

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-1 11F67 No. 7 → What is space debris? →