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Molniya-1 No. 27L

Re-entered 30 Jan 1974

Molniya-1 No. 27L (NORAD 5927, COSPAR 1972-025A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Jan 1974, launched on 4 Apr 1972 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 27 mission. It was operated by GUKOSR 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.

1972
launched
1974
re-entered
2
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Apr 1972 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 27 mission
Operational1 Aug 1973 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 Jan 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5927
COSPAR1972-025A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude439 × 39,912 km
Inclination65.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 27L?

Molniya-1 No. 27L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Jan 1974, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1972. 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. 27L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 27L re-entered on 30 Jan 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 27L?

Molniya-1 No. 27L was operated by GUKOSR and built by OKB10 (SU).

Launched together

MAS/SRETRe-entered 1974
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.