Molniya-1 No. 32L

Re-entered 26 May 1979

Molniya-1 No. 32L (NORAD 6932, COSPAR 1973-089A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 May 1979, launched on 14 Nov 1973 on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 32 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.

1973

launched

1979

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Nov 1973 · on the Molniya-1 11F67 No. 32 mission

Operational1 Jan 1978 · entered service

Retired1 Jan 1978 · end of operational service

Re-entered26 May 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6932

COSPAR1973-089A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB10

BusMolniya-1

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-1

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (GTO)

Altitude438 × 39,923 km

Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 32L?

Molniya-1 No. 32L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 May 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-1 No. 32L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 32L re-entered on 26 May 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 32L?

Molniya-1 No. 32L 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.

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