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Molniya-3 No. 15L

Re-entered 12 Aug 1986

Molniya-3 No. 15L (NORAD 8521, COSPAR 1975-125A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 1986, launched on 27 Dec 1975 on the Molniya-3 No. 15 mission. It was operated by OKB10 / MSVYAZ as part of the Molniya-3 programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB10 on the Molniya-3 bus, with a mass of 1,750 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.

1975
launched
1986
re-entered
11
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Dec 1975 · on the Molniya-3 No. 15 mission
Operational1 Mar 1978 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1978 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Aug 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8521
COSPAR1975-125A
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB10 / MSVYAZ
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-3
Mass1,750 kg (1,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude506 × 39,846 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-3 No. 15L?

Molniya-3 No. 15L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 1986, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1975. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-3 No. 15L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-3 No. 15L re-entered on 12 Aug 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 15L?

Molniya-3 No. 15L was operated by OKB10 / MSVYAZ and built by OKB10 (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.