Molniya-1 No. 8L

Re-entered 26 Nov 1971

Molniya-1 No. 8L (NORAD 2822, COSPAR 1967-052A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Nov 1971, launched on 24 May 1967 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 8 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.

1967

launched

1971

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 May 1967 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 8 mission

Operational1 Jun 1967 · entered service

Retired1 Jun 1967 · end of operational service

Re-entered26 Nov 1971 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2822

COSPAR1967-052A

TypeSatellite

OperatorOKB10

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB10

BusMolniya-1

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-1

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (GTO)

Altitude500 × 39,525 km

Inclination64.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 8L?

Molniya-1 No. 8L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Nov 1971, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1967. 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. 8L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 8L re-entered on 26 Nov 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 8L?

Molniya-1 No. 8L 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. 8 → What is space debris? →