2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Launches
  3. 1972
  4. 1972-036
// orbital launch

Zenit-2M

Voskhod 11A57 launch from Plesetsk (Soviet Union) on May 17, 1972, carrying 2 payloads. GCAT records the launch as a success.

May 17, 1972 · 10:19 UTCLaunch 1972-036Launch no. 1,340 in the log
SpaceportPlesetskpad LC43/3
OutcomeSuccess
Launch agencyRVSNSoviet Union

Flight

Date and time (UTC)
May 17, 1972, 10:19
Launch designation
1972-036
Mission
Zenit-2M
Flight name
Kosmos-490
Vehicle flight ID
7701421-140

Orbit and payload

Initial apogee
338 km
Payload mass to orbit
6.0 t
Payloads
2
GCAT launch code
OS

Payloads

PayloadDesignationOwnerMission typeMassFate
Kosmos-4901972-036ANORAD 6021Main Space Forces DirectorateOptical imaging2,200 kgLanded · May 29, 1972
Kapsula Kosmosa-4901972-036DNORAD 6040TsKBEM Filial No. 3Space science630 kgReentered (orbital decay) · Jun 6, 1972

Source: GCAT launch list and payload catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0). Orbit values are the initial orbit reported for the launch.