Molniya-2 No. 15L

Re-entered 6 Jan 1979

Molniya-2 No. 15L (NORAD 6418, COSPAR 1973-018A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Jan 1979, launched on 5 Apr 1973 on the Molniya-2 mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Molniya-2 programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB10 on the Molniya-2 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.

1973

launched

1979

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Apr 1973 · on the Molniya-2 mission

Operational26 Nov 1975 · entered service

Retired26 Nov 1975 · end of operational service

Re-entered6 Jan 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6418

COSPAR1973-018A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB10

BusMolniya-2

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-2

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (GTO)

Altitude476 × 39,875 km

Inclination65.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-2 No. 15L?

Molniya-2 No. 15L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Jan 1979, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1973. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-2 No. 15L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-2 No. 15L re-entered on 6 Jan 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-2 No. 15L?

Molniya-2 No. 15L was operated by GUKOSR 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-2 → What is space debris? →