MISSION OVERVIEW
Film-return reconnaisance satellite. Maneuvered on October 1 to a 213 x 330 km orbit. Believed to be an improved Yantar-4K1 with a longer lifetime – and given the code name ‘Kobalt’ previously applied to the defunct Yantar-4K2 system. When re-entry was commanded after only 107 days in orbit, there was speculation that problems had arisen with the satellite. Sources claimed the satellite had some kind of control problem, which was brought under control, and the two smaller film return capsules were successfully returned.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz-U-PVB
AGENCY
Russian Space ForcesMISSION
Yantar-4K2M 1
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
16/2
LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 69d229aa-1c32-4daa-aa9a-06b08af1aaab
Reported date: Sep 24, 2004 at 16:50 UTC
Last synced: 5 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE
MANUFACTURER
Progress Rocket Space Center
VARIANT
U-PVB
FLIGHTS
74
SUCCESSES
72
SUCCESS RATE
97.3%
A Russian orbital launch vehicle. A version of the Soyuz-U with safety modifications to prevent and resist fires in all stages and the upper stage avionics compartment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Soyuz-U-PVB | Yantar-4K2M 1 launch?
The Soyuz-U-PVB | Yantar-4K2M 1 is scheduled for Friday, September 24, 2004 at 4:50 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 Yantar-4K2M 1?
The Soyuz-U-PVB | Yantar-4K2M 1 mission uses the Soyuz-U-PVB rocket, manufactured by Progress Rocket Space Center. The Soyuz-U-PVB has flown 74 times with a 97.3% success rate.
Where is the Soyuz-U-PVB | Yantar-4K2M 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from 16/2 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Yantar-4K2M 1 going to?
The Yantar-4K2M 1 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Yantar-4K2M 1?
The Soyuz-U-PVB | Yantar-4K2M 1 is operated by Russian Space Forces.
Can I watch the Soyuz-U-PVB | Yantar-4K2M 1 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 01:08 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch date set: Sep 24, 2004 at 16:50 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Russian Space Forces
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 5 hours ago
●Launch Library 25 hours ago
Launch ID: 69d229aa-1c32-4daa-aa9a-06b08af1aaab
●Open-Meteo Weather5 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.96, 40.68
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