PAD81/23 (81L)
SITEBaikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEHuman Exploration
PROGRAMInternational Space Station
MISSION OVERVIEW
The Zarya Control Module, also known by the technical term Functional Cargo Block and the Russian acronym FGB, was the first component launched for the International Space Station. This module was designed to provide the station’s initial propulsion and power. The 19,323 kilogram pressurized module was launched on a Russian Proton rocket in November 1998.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
ProtonMISSION
Zarya
MISSION TYPE
Human Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
81/23 (81L)LAUNCH SITE
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of KazakhstanPROGRAM
International Space Station
COUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 476f59d4-3eda-43a8-a29d-6b52bd1957b8
Reported date: Nov 20, 1998 at 06:40 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
Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center
VARIANT
K
FLIGHTS
29
SUCCESSES
26
SUCCESS RATE
89.7%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Proton | Zarya launch?
The Proton | Zarya is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 1998 at 6:40 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 Zarya?
The Proton | Zarya mission uses the Proton rocket, manufactured by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. The Proton has flown 29 times with a 89.7% success rate.
Where is the Proton | Zarya launching from?
The launch takes place from 81/23 (81L) at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
What orbit is Zarya going to?
The Zarya mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Zarya?
The Proton | Zarya is operated by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. It is part of the International Space Station program.
Can I watch the Proton | Zarya 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 01:16 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch date set: Nov 20, 1998 at 06:40 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 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: 476f59d4-3eda-43a8-a29d-6b52bd1957b8
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 46.07, 62.98
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
Zarya was a Proton K mission operated by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center that lifted off from 81/23 (81L), Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan on November 20, 1998. The flight carried its payload on a human exploration mission to Low Earth Orbit. It was flown as part of the International Space Station program. The launch was a success.