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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Molniya-1M No. 43L

Re-entered 29 May 1987

Molniya-1M No. 43L (NORAD 9049, COSPAR 1976-074A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 May 1987, launched on 23 Jul 1976 on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 43 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
1987
re-entered
11
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Jul 1976 · on the Molniya-1 11F658 No. 43 mission
Operational1 Feb 1979 · entered service
Retired1 Feb 1979 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 May 1987 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9049
COSPAR1976-074A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB10
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1M
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude498 × 39,852 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Molniya-1M No. 43L?

Molniya-1M No. 43L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 May 1987, 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. 43L re-enter the atmosphere?

Molniya-1M No. 43L re-entered on 29 May 1987, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Molniya-1M No. 43L?

Molniya-1M No. 43L 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.