US-K 77
Molniya-M
Progress Rocket Space Center
Mission
US-K 77
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Elliptical Orbit
Early warning satellite
Location
16/2
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
16/2 has witnessed the launch of 136 rockets, including 136 orbital launch attempts. While Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation, has been the site for 1681 rocket launches.
Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
Agency
Progress Rocket Space Center
Progress Rocket Space Centre, formerly known as TsSKB-Progress, is a space science and aerospace research company which is known for manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites. Most notably, Progress Rocket Space Centre is the manufacturer of Soyuz launch vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Molniya-M launch scheduled?
The Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M launch carrying the US-K 77 mission was scheduled for:
.
Where did the Molniya-M launch from?
The Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M rocket launched from 16/2 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation. Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
What rocket was used for the US-K 77 mission?
The US-K 77 mission launched aboard a Progress Rocket Space Center Molniya-M rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Molniya-M launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
