Molniya-2 No. 16L

Re-entered 5 Aug 1978

Molniya-2 No. 16L (NORAD 6722, COSPAR 1973-045A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Aug 1978, launched on 11 Jul 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

1978

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Jul 1973 · on the Molniya-2 mission

Operational12 Feb 1975 · entered service

Retired12 Feb 1975 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Aug 1978 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6722

COSPAR1973-045A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB10

BusMolniya-2

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-2

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (GTO)

Altitude391 × 39,973 km

Inclination65.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-2 No. 16L?

Molniya-2 No. 16L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Aug 1978, 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. 16L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-2 No. 16L re-entered on 5 Aug 1978, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-2 No. 16L?

Molniya-2 No. 16L 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? →