Molniya-3K No. 11L

Re-entered 19 Dec 2016

Molniya-3K No. 11L (NORAD 26867, COSPAR 2001-030A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Dec 2016, launched on 20 Jul 2001 on the Molniya-3K No. 11? mission. It was operated by KVR / KS as part of the Molniya-3K programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOPMR on the Molniya-3 bus, with a mass of 1,780 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.

2001

launched

2016

re-entered

years on orbit

1,780

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Jul 2001 · on the Molniya-3K No. 11? mission

Operational1 Jan 2010 · entered service

Retired1 Jan 2010 · end of operational service

Re-entered19 Dec 2016 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26867

COSPAR2001-030A

TypeSatellite

OperatorKVR / KS

Country / StateRU

ManufacturerNPOPMR

BusMolniya-3

Mass1,780 kg (1,700 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-3K

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (HEO/M)

Altitude407 × 40,831 km

Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3K No. 11L?

Molniya-3K No. 11L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Dec 2016, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2001. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-3K No. 11L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3K No. 11L re-entered on 19 Dec 2016, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3K No. 11L?

Molniya-3K No. 11L was operated by KVR / KS 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-3K No. 11? → What is space debris? →