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Molniya-1 No. 14L

Re-entered 16 Jul 1976

Molniya-1 No. 14L (NORAD 3469, COSPAR 1968-085A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jul 1976, launched on 5 Oct 1968 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 14 mission. It was operated by TSUKOS 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.

1968
launched
1976
re-entered
8
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Oct 1968 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 14 mission
Operational1 Mar 1971 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Jul 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3469
COSPAR1968-085A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude444 × 39,928 km
Inclination65.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 14L?

Molniya-1 No. 14L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jul 1976, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1968. 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. 14L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 14L re-entered on 16 Jul 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 14L?

Molniya-1 No. 14L was operated by TSUKOS and built by OKB10 (SU).

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