[2] Molchanov graduated from Petersburg University in 1914, worked in the Main Physical (Geophysical) Observatory in Pavlovsk between 1917 and 1939 and then at the institute of civil air fleet in Leningrad.
[3][4] Named "271120", it was released 13:44 Moscow Time in Pavlovsk, USSR from the Main Geophysical Observatory and reached a height of 7.8 kilometers measuring temperature there (-40.7 °C).
Thirty-two (32) minutes after the launch, the radiosonde sent one of the first aerological message to the Leningrad Weather Bureau and Moscow Central Forecast Institute, only one year after the French's experiment.
Twelve sondes were prepared for that purpose at Pavlovsk Observatory under Molchanov's leadership and successfully launched, conducting the first aerological observations in the Arctic.
During transport on a prison barge on Lake Ladoga, Molchanov was shot while attempting to climb a ladder to get fresh air.