SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM

Proton | Mars-6

SUCCESS Proton →
Aug 5, 1973 at 17:45 UTC
Mars flyby Robotic Exploration Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan 62% success
Initializing Launch Globe…
Live Orbit
Fullscreen
Mission Control3D trajectory · Live telemetry · AI narrator · Booster tracking
PAD81/23 (81L)
SITEBaikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan →
ORBITMars flyby
TYPERobotic Exploration

Mars fly-by and lander mission

VEHICLE
Proton
MISSION
Mars-6
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Mars flyby
LAUNCH PAD
81/23 (81L)
COUNTRY
RUS
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: a7feed06-e595-44e4-96d1-61acfe824098
Reported date: Aug 5, 1973 at 17:45 UTC
Last synced: 8 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
Loading weather…
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
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 | Mars-6 launch?
The Proton | Mars-6 is scheduled for Sunday, August 5, 1973 at 5:45 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 Mars-6?
The Proton | Mars-6 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 | Mars-6 launching from?
The launch takes place from 81/23 (81L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
What orbit is Mars-6 going to?
The Mars-6 mission is targeting Mars flyby.
Who is launching Mars-6?
The Proton | Mars-6 is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Proton | Mars-6 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 21:45 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 21:45 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 5, 1973 at 17:45 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 28, 2026 21:45 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 8 minutes ago
Launch Library 28 minutes ago
Launch ID: a7feed06-e595-44e4-96d1-61acfe824098
Open-Meteo Weather21 hours ago
Pad weather at 46.07, 62.98

Mission Profile

Mars-6 was a Proton K/D mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 81/23 (81L), Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan on August 5, 1973. The flight carried its payload on a robotic exploration mission to Mars flyby. The launch was a success.