Molniya 8K78 | Venera-2

Molniya 8K78 | Venera-2 lifted off aboard a Molniya 8K78 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan, carrying its payload to Venus flyby.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Soviet Space Program
Mission type
Robotic Exploration
Rocket
Molniya 8K78
Launch site
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
Launch pad
31/6
Payload
—
Target orbit
Venus flyby
Molniya 8K78 | Venera-2 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1965-11-12T04:46:48.000Z
    Liftoff
    Liftoff confirmed — Molniya 8K78 is airborne.
  2. Max-Q
    Max Q — Molniya 8K78 endures peak structural stress during ascent.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    First-stage main engine cutoff (MECO) confirmed.
  4. Stage separation
    The spent first stage separates from the upper stage.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    Upper stage ignites, continuing the journey toward orbit.
  6. Orbit insertion
    The mission reaches Venus flyby, successfully entering orbit.
  7. Mission success
    The mission concludes successfully.

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