SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM

Soyuz U | Foton 2

SUCCESSMay 21, 1986 at 16:30 UTCSoyuz U →
PAD41/1
SITEPlesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation →
ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEMaterials Science
MISSION OVERVIEW

Microgravity research satellite

LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz U
AGENCY
Soviet Space Program
MISSION
Foton 2
MISSION TYPE
Materials Science
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
41/1
LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
COUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: d732821b-fa71-4b8b-8c5d-8e52e060a4c0
Reported date: May 21, 1986 at 16:30 UTC
Last synced: 5 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 — Soyuz U →
MANUFACTURER
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
FLIGHTS
714
SUCCESSES
694
SUCCESS RATE
97.2%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Soyuz U | Foton 2 launch?
The Soyuz U | Foton 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 1986 at 4:30 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 Foton 2?
The Soyuz U | Foton 2 mission uses the Soyuz U rocket, manufactured by Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS). The Soyuz U has flown 714 times with a 97.2% success rate.
Where is the Soyuz U | Foton 2 launching from?
The launch takes place from 41/1 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Foton 2 going to?
The Foton 2 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Foton 2?
The Soyuz U | Foton 2 is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Soyuz U | Foton 2 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 05:33 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch date set: May 21, 1986 at 16:30 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 5 minutes ago
●Launch Library 25 minutes ago
Launch ID: d732821b-fa71-4b8b-8c5d-8e52e060a4c0
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.94, 40.53
BROWSE BY
Soviet Space Program1420 launchesSoyuz604 launchesPlesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationLaunch Site
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Mission Profile

Foton 2 was a Soyuz U mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 41/1, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on May 21, 1986. The flight carried its payload on a materials science mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.

Browse the complete rocket launch archive →