SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM

Proton | Luna-21

SUCCESSJan 8, 1973 at 06:55 UTCProton →
PAD81/23 (81L)
SITEBaikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan →
ORBITLunar Impactor
TYPERobotic Exploration
PROGRAMLuna

Lunar lander and rover

VEHICLE
Proton
MISSION
Luna-21
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Impactor
LAUNCH PAD
81/23 (81L)
PROGRAM
Luna
COUNTRY
RUS
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: b7907fe5-619e-4722-b18a-ef21c767c52c
Reported date: Jan 8, 1973 at 06:55 UTC
Last synced: 12 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
VARIANT
K/D
FLIGHTS
39
SUCCESSES
24
SUCCESS RATE
61.5%

This four stage version of the Proton was originally designed to send manned circumlunar spacecraft into translunar trajectory.

When is the Proton | Luna-21 launch?
The Proton | Luna-21 is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 1973 at 6:55 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-21?
The Proton | Luna-21 mission uses the Proton rocket, manufactured by Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS). The Proton has flown 39 times with a 61.5% success rate.
Where is the Proton | Luna-21 launching from?
The launch takes place from 81/23 (81L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
What orbit is Luna-21 going to?
The Luna-21 mission is targeting Lunar Impactor.
Who is launching Luna-21?
The Proton | Luna-21 is operated by Soviet Space Program. It is part of the Luna program.
Can I watch the Proton | Luna-21 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.
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: Jan 8, 1973 at 06:55 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 12 hours ago
Launch Library 212 hours ago
Launch ID: b7907fe5-619e-4722-b18a-ef21c767c52c
Open-Meteo Weather13 hours ago
Pad weather at 46.07, 62.98