🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Molniya-1K No. 41L
Retired 1979Molniya-1K No. 41L (NORAD 9880, COSPAR 1977-021A) is a retired SU satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1979, launched on 24 Mar 1977 on the Molniya-1 mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Molniya-1K programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOPM 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.
1977
launched
1979
retired
49
years on orbit
1,650
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched24 Mar 1977 · on the Molniya-1 mission
Operational1 Jan 1979 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1979 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID9880
COSPAR1977-021A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOPM
BusMolniya-1
Mass1,650 kg (1,620 kg dry)
ProgrammeMolniya-1K
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude462 × 39,876 km
Inclination62.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Molniya-1K No. 41L?
Molniya-1K No. 41L was retired from service around 1 Jan 1979 after launching in 1977. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Molniya-1K No. 41L?
Molniya-1K No. 41L was operated by GUKOSR and built by NPOPM (SU).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.