PAD43/3 (43L)
SITEPlesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Film-return reconnaissance satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz UAGENCY
Soviet Space ProgramMISSION
Zenit-4MT 21
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
43/3 (43L)LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: d8874bd5-3e2c-4b65-96b5-432740a7eb3e
Reported date: Sep 18, 1981 at 09:30 UTC
Last synced: 1 hour 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 | Zenit-4MT 21 launch?
The Soyuz U | Zenit-4MT 21 is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 1981 at 9:30 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 Zenit-4MT 21?
The Soyuz U | Zenit-4MT 21 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 | Zenit-4MT 21 launching from?
The launch takes place from 43/3 (43L) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Zenit-4MT 21 going to?
The Zenit-4MT 21 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Zenit-4MT 21?
The Soyuz U | Zenit-4MT 21 is operated by Soviet Space Program.
Can I watch the Soyuz U | Zenit-4MT 21 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: Sep 18, 1981 at 09:30 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: 1 hour ago
●Launch Library 21 hour ago
Launch ID: d8874bd5-3e2c-4b65-96b5-432740a7eb3e
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.93, 40.45
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
Zenit-4MT 21 was a Soyuz U mission operated by Soviet Space Program that lifted off from 43/3 (43L), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation on September 18, 1981. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.