MISSION OVERVIEW
EarlyBird 1, a remote sensing satellite built by CTA Space Systems (now part of Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC)) for EarthWatch, Inc., was to provide high resolution commercial imagery. EarthWatch planed to offer black-and-white images with a resolution as high as 3 meters per pixel, and color images with a resolution of 15 meters per pixel. The imaging sensor was derived from NASA’s cancelled Clark satellite.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Start-1
AGENCY
Strategic Rocket ForcesMISSION
EarlyBird
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
5
LAUNCH SITE
Svobodny Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: abf8dac7-d3f3-45f4-8904-2f798d5047c6
Reported date: Dec 24, 1997 at 13:32 UTC
Last synced: 3 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
MANUFACTURER
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
VARIANT
1
FLIGHTS
5
SUCCESSES
5
SUCCESS RATE
100%
Start-1 is a Russian satellite launch vehicle based on the RT-2PM Topol, a Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile developed by Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Start-1 | EarlyBird launch?
The Start-1 | EarlyBird is scheduled for Wednesday, December 24, 1997 at 1:32 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 EarlyBird?
The Start-1 | EarlyBird mission uses the Start-1 rocket, manufactured by Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. The Start-1 has flown 5 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Start-1 | EarlyBird launching from?
The launch takes place from 5 at Svobodny Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is EarlyBird going to?
The EarlyBird mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching EarlyBird?
The Start-1 | EarlyBird is operated by Strategic Rocket Forces.
Can I watch the Start-1 | EarlyBird 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 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 24, 1997 at 13:32 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Strategic Rocket Forces
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: abf8dac7-d3f3-45f4-8904-2f798d5047c6
●Open-Meteo Weather17 hours ago
Pad weather at 51.7, 128
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