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Molniya-1 No. 17L

Re-entered 29 Sep 1975

Molniya-1 No. 17L (NORAD 4336, COSPAR 1970-013A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 1975, launched on 19 Feb 1970 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 17 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.

1970
launched
1975
re-entered
5
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Feb 1970 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 17 mission
Operational1 Jun 1971 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Sep 1975 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4336
COSPAR1970-013A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude474 × 39,873 km
Inclination65.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 17L?

Molniya-1 No. 17L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 1975, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1970. 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. 17L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 17L re-entered on 29 Sep 1975, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 17L?

Molniya-1 No. 17L 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.