🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Molniya-2 No. 21L
Retired 1976Molniya-2 No. 21L (NORAD 7376, COSPAR 1974-056A) is a retired SU satellite, withdrawn from service around 27 Aug 1976, launched on 23 Jul 1974 on the Molniya-2 mission.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. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1974
launched
1976
retired
52
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 Jul 1974 · on the Molniya-2 mission
Operational27 Aug 1976 · entered service
Retired27 Aug 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7376
COSPAR1974-056A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-2
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-2
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude447 × 39,908 km
Inclination63.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-2 No. 21L?
Molniya-2 No. 21L was retired from service around 27 Aug 1976 after launching in 1974. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Molniya-2 No. 21L?
Molniya-2 No. 21L 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.