SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
Molniya-M | Luna-9
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Jan 31, 1966 at 11:41 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PAD31/6
SITEBaikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan →ORBITLunar Orbit
TYPELunar Exploration
PROGRAMLuna
MISSION OVERVIEW
First Ye-6 series probe to successfully land on the Moon.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Molniya-MAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Luna-9
MISSION TYPE
Lunar Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
31/6LAUNCH SITE
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of KazakhstanPROGRAM
Luna
COUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 4139e14f-f8ef-4d2d-b510-4474f74299d9
Reported date: Jan 31, 1966 at 11:41 UTC
Last synced: 24 seconds ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Molniya-M →
MANUFACTURER
Russian Space Forces
VARIANT
2BL
FLIGHTS
272
SUCCESSES
259
SUCCESS RATE
95.2%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Molniya-M | Luna-9 launch?
The Molniya-M | Luna-9 is scheduled for Monday, January 31, 1966 at 11:41 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 Luna-9?
The Molniya-M | Luna-9 mission uses the Molniya-M rocket, manufactured by Russian Space Forces. The Molniya-M has flown 272 times with a 95.2% success rate.
Where is the Molniya-M | Luna-9 launching from?
The launch takes place from 31/6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
What orbit is Luna-9 going to?
The Luna-9 mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching Luna-9?
The Molniya-M | Luna-9 is operated by Soviet Space Program. It is part of the Luna program.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | Luna-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 20:51 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch date set: Jan 31, 1966 at 11:41 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 24 seconds ago
●Launch Library 224 seconds ago
Launch ID: 4139e14f-f8ef-4d2d-b510-4474f74299d9
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 46, 63.56
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Mission Profile
Luna-9 was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 31/6, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan on January 31, 1966. The flight carried its payload on a lunar exploration mission to Lunar Orbit. It was flown as part of the Luna program. The launch was a success.