SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
Proton | Luna-21
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Jan 8, 1973 at 06:55 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PAD81/23 (81L)
SITEBaikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan →ORBITLunar Impactor
TYPERobotic Exploration
PROGRAMLuna
MISSION OVERVIEW
Lunar lander and rover
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
ProtonAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Luna-21
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Impactor
LAUNCH PAD
81/23 (81L)LAUNCH SITE
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of KazakhstanPROGRAM
Luna
COUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: b7907fe5-619e-4722-b18a-ef21c767c52c
Reported date: Jan 8, 1973 at 06:55 UTC
Last synced: 4 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 — Proton →
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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: 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
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
●Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: b7907fe5-619e-4722-b18a-ef21c767c52c
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 46.07, 62.98
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
Luna-21 was a Proton K/D mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 81/23 (81L), Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan on January 8, 1973. The flight carried its payload on a robotic exploration mission to Lunar Impactor. It was flown as part of the Luna program. The launch was a success.