Molniya-1M No. 39L

Re-entered 10 Oct 1990

Molniya-1M No. 39L (NORAD 8741, COSPAR 1976-021A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Oct 1990, launched on 11 Mar 1976 on the Molniya-1 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. 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.

1976

launched

1990

re-entered

years on orbit

1,650

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Mar 1976 · on the Molniya-1 mission

Operational1 May 1979 · entered service

Retired1 May 1979 · end of operational service

Re-entered10 Oct 1990 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8741

COSPAR1976-021A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB10

BusMolniya-1

Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)

ProgrammeMolniya-1M

CategoryCOM

OrbitHEO (HEO/M)

Altitude486 × 39,869 km

Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1M No. 39L?

Molniya-1M No. 39L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Oct 1990, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1976. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Molniya-1M No. 39L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1M No. 39L re-entered on 10 Oct 1990, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1M No. 39L?

Molniya-1M No. 39L 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.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Molniya-1 → What is space debris? →