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Molniya-1 No. 24L

Re-entered 29 Dec 1985

Molniya-1 No. 24L (NORAD 7480, COSPAR 1974-081A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Dec 1985, launched on 24 Oct 1974 on the Molniya-1 No. 26 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.

1974
launched
1985
re-entered
11
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Oct 1974 · on the Molniya-1 No. 26 mission
Operational1 Jan 1977 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1977 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Dec 1985 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7480
COSPAR1974-081A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude672 × 39,682 km
Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1 No. 24L?

Molniya-1 No. 24L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Dec 1985, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1974. 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. 24L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1 No. 24L re-entered on 29 Dec 1985, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1 No. 24L?

Molniya-1 No. 24L 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.