MISSION OVERVIEW
Early warning satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Molniya-MAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
US-K 55
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
41/1LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8b07a28c-80ec-47c6-8daa-96a5f9c83f15
Reported date: Dec 21, 1987 at 22:35 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours 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 | US-K 55 launch?
The Molniya-M | US-K 55 is scheduled for Monday, December 21, 1987 at 10:35 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for US-K 55?
The Molniya-M | US-K 55 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 | US-K 55 launching from?
The launch takes place from 41/1 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is US-K 55 going to?
The US-K 55 mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching US-K 55?
The Molniya-M | US-K 55 is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | US-K 55 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 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 21, 1987 at 22:35 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 hours ago
●Launch Library 219 hours ago
Launch ID: 8b07a28c-80ec-47c6-8daa-96a5f9c83f15
●Open-Meteo Weather19 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.94, 40.53
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
US-K 55 was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 41/1, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on December 21, 1987. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.