Re-Entry: Molniya 1-44 Communications Satellite

Patrick Blau 3143 Views
Image: ISS Reshetnev
Image: ISS Reshetnev

The Molniya 1K-44 Communications Satellite re-entered the atmosphere on October 23, 2017 after 38 years in orbit, slowly decaying from its elliptical Molniya Orbit that once peaked around 40,000 Kilometers in altitude. Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in July 1979 atop a Molniya rocket, the 1,600-Kilogram satellite operated from a highly elliptical orbit with its high point over the northern hemisphere to deliver secure communications to the Russian military and government users as well as civilian traffic.

NORAD ID: 11474
Origin: Russia
Object: Molniya 1-44
Type: Molniya 1K Communications Satellite

Manufacturer: ISS Reshetnev
Mass: ~1,600kg
Inclination: 61.9°
Launched: July 31, 1979 – 03:56 UTC
Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M
Launch Site: Plesetsk, Russia

Re-Entry Prediction: October 23, 2017 – 14:38 UTC +/-1 Minute
Re-Entry Zone: South America

Re-Entry Orbit
Image: Spaceflight101/Orbitron
Communications News Re-Entry Re-Entry Feature Russia 
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