PAD31/6
SITEBaikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
High-resolution film-return Yantar reconnaissance satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz UAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Yantar-2K 18
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
31/6LAUNCH SITE
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of KazakhstanCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 78808cc9-0a67-4451-82ce-46d62ff935ce
Reported date: May 18, 1981 at 11:50 UTC
Last synced: 6 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 — Soyuz U →
MANUFACTURER
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
FLIGHTS
714
SUCCESSES
694
SUCCESS RATE
97.2%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Soyuz U | Yantar-2K 18 launch?
The Soyuz U | Yantar-2K 18 is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 1981 at 11:50 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 Yantar-2K 18?
The Soyuz U | Yantar-2K 18 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 | Yantar-2K 18 launching from?
The launch takes place from 31/6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
What orbit is Yantar-2K 18 going to?
The Yantar-2K 18 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Yantar-2K 18?
The Soyuz U | Yantar-2K 18 is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Soyuz U | Yantar-2K 18 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 23:43 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch date set: May 18, 1981 at 11:50 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Soviet Space Program
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 6 hours ago
●Launch Library 26 hours ago
Launch ID: 78808cc9-0a67-4451-82ce-46d62ff935ce
●Open-Meteo Weather6 hours ago
Pad weather at 46, 63.56
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Mission Profile
Yantar-2K 18 was a Soyuz U mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 31/6, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan on May 18, 1981. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.