SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9
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Dec 21, 1972 at 02:05 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
The Sfera or Geoid series were the first soviet geodetic satellites to improve the accuracy of maps. The development of the satellites started in 1965 at NPO-PM.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Kosmos-3MAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Sfera 9
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
132/2LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 94bbe730-3417-41a0-8a7d-80bdf8048d95
Reported date: Dec 21, 1972 at 02:05 UTC
Last synced: 15 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Kosmos-3M →
MANUFACTURER
Russian Space Forces
VARIANT
-3M
FLIGHTS
445
SUCCESSES
423
SUCCESS RATE
95.1%
N/A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9 launch?
The Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9 is scheduled for Thursday, December 21, 1972 at 2:05 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Sfera 9?
The Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9 mission uses the Kosmos-3M rocket, manufactured by Russian Space Forces. The Kosmos-3M has flown 445 times with a 95.1% success rate.
Where is the Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9 launching from?
The launch takes place from 132/2 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Sfera 9 going to?
The Sfera 9 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Sfera 9?
The Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9 is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Kosmos-3M | Sfera 9 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 21, 1972 at 02:05 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 15 minutes ago
●Launch Library 215 minutes ago
Launch ID: 94bbe730-3417-41a0-8a7d-80bdf8048d95
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 62.88, 40.87
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Mission Profile
Sfera 9 was a Kosmos-3M mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 132/2, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on December 21, 1972. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.