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. 1975
  4. 1975-036
// orbital launch

Molniya-1

Molniya 8K78M launch from Plesetsk (Soviet Union) on April 29, 1975, carrying 1 payload. GCAT records the launch as a success.

April 29, 1975 · 10:23 UTCLaunch 1975-036Launch no. 1,684 in the log
RocketMolniya 8K78Mvariant ML
SpaceportPlesetskpad LC41/1
OutcomeSuccess
Launch agencyRVSNSoviet Union

Flight

Date and time (UTC)
April 29, 1975, 10:23
Launch designation
1975-036
Mission
Molniya-1
Vehicle flight ID
M 15000-064

Orbit and payload

Initial apogee
40,850 km
Payload mass to orbit
2.0 t
Payloads
1
GCAT launch code
OS

Payloads

PayloadDesignationOwnerMission typeMassFate
Molniya-11975-036ANORAD 7780Main Space Forces DirectorateCommunications1,650 kgIn orbit

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