🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Molniya-1M No. 40L
Retired 1978Molniya-1M No. 40L (NORAD 8601, COSPAR 1976-006A) is a retired SU satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Aug 1978, launched on 22 Jan 1976 on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 40 mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Molniya-1M programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB10 on the Molniya-1 bus, with a mass of 1,650 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1978
retired
50
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched22 Jan 1976 · on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 40 mission
Operational1 Aug 1978 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 1978 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8601
COSPAR1976-006A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1M
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude534 × 39,817 km
Inclination63.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-1M No. 40L?
Molniya-1M No. 40L was retired from service around 1 Aug 1978 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Molniya-1M No. 40L?
Molniya-1M No. 40L 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.