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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-1M No. 42L

Re-entered 15 May 1985

Molniya-1M No. 42L (NORAD 8762, COSPAR 1976-026A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 May 1985, launched on 19 Mar 1976 on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 42 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
1985
re-entered
9
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Mar 1976 · on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 42 mission
Operational1 May 1978 · entered service
Retired1 May 1978 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 May 1985 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8762
COSPAR1976-026A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1M
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude632 × 39,722 km
Inclination63.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1M No. 42L?

Molniya-1M No. 42L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 May 1985, 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. 42L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1M No. 42L re-entered on 15 May 1985, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1M No. 42L?

Molniya-1M No. 42L 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.