Molniya-3 No. 17L
Re-entered 6 Feb 1990Molniya-3 No. 17L (NORAD 9635, COSPAR 1976-127A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Feb 1990, launched on 28 Dec 1976 on the Molniya-3 No. 17 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-3 No. 17L?
Molniya-3 No. 17L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Feb 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-3 No. 17L re-enter the atmosphere?
Molniya-3 No. 17L re-entered on 6 Feb 1990, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Molniya-3 No. 17L?
Molniya-3 No. 17L was operated by OKB10 / MSVYAZ and built by OKB10 (SU).