PROGRESS ROCKET SPACE CENTER
Molniya-M | US-K 78
—
—
May 14, 1997 at 00:33 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
PAD43/4 (43R)
SITEPlesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation →ORBITElliptical Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Early warning satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Molniya-MAGENCY
Progress Rocket Space Center
MISSION
US-K 78
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
43/4 (43R)LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: d41aa20e-13df-4536-ae62-64b830e7452a
Reported date: May 14, 1997 at 00:33 UTC
Last synced: 38 seconds ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
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 78 launch?
The Molniya-M | US-K 78 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 1997 at 12:33 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 US-K 78?
The Molniya-M | US-K 78 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 78 launching from?
The launch takes place from 43/4 (43R) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is US-K 78 going to?
The US-K 78 mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching US-K 78?
The Molniya-M | US-K 78 is operated by Progress Rocket Space Center.
Can I watch the Molniya-M | US-K 78 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 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: May 14, 1997 at 00:33 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Progress Rocket Space Center
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 38 seconds ago
●Launch Library 238 seconds ago
Launch ID: d41aa20e-13df-4536-ae62-64b830e7452a
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 62.93, 40.46
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
US-K 78 was a Molniya-M 2BL mission operated by Progress Rocket Space Center that lifted off from 43/4 (43R), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on May 14, 1997. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.