Plesetsk Cosmodrome
ActiveNo launches are currently scheduled from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the published manifest, which was last confirmed on 9 August 2026. Dates may have moved since.
Plesetsk Cosmodrome is the world's most prolific launch site by total launch count. At 62.9°N it is too far north to reach the ISS at 51.6°, so all missions go to high-inclination or polar orbits — almost exclusively military. Angara heavy-lift is being developed here.
Site history
Orbital mechanics from 62.9271°N
A launch site's latitude determines which orbits are achievable and at what fuel cost. Plesetsk at 62.9271°N sets the following constraints:
Satellite train visibility from Plesetsk
From 62.9271°N, Plesetsk can reach 2 Starlink inclination shells: 70°, 97.6° SSO (polar).
Trains launched to higher inclinations are visible from more of the world. A 97° SSO train from Plesetsk would be visible at virtually every latitude; a 53° train is visible from latitudes up to ±57° (primarily) — much of the populated world. In the hours after launch — before satellites raise their orbits — a tight train of 20–60 bright dots crosses the sky roughly every 90 minutes. Use OrbitalNodes' Starlink tracker for exact train pass times.
Plesetsk: Russia's northern military range
For decades the busiest launch site on Earth by sheer count, Plesetsk is Russia's military spaceport, flying Soyuz and Angara rockets on reconnaissance, navigation and early-warning duties.
Its far-northern latitude (around 62.9°N) is ideally placed for the high-inclination and Molniya orbits that Russian military and communications satellites favour.
Plesetsk — Launch Site FAQ
Where is Plesetsk and who operates it?
Plesetsk Cosmodrome is located at 62.9271°N, 40.5774°E in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. It is owned and operated by Russian Ministry of Defence. The site has conducted approximately 1,600 orbital launches since its first in 1966.
What rockets launch from Plesetsk?
Current vehicles operating from Plesetsk Cosmodrome include Soyuz-2, Rokot (retired), Angara. Primary customers are Russian military, launching Military reconnaissance, GLONASS navigation, military communications.
What orbits can Plesetsk reach?
At 62.9271°N, Plesetsk's minimum achievable inclination is 62.9° (due-east launch). Sun-synchronous orbits (around 97°) are particularly efficient from this high latitude. The site can reach orbits between roughly 63° and 98° inclination.
Can I watch launches from Plesetsk?
Yes — Plesetsk Cosmodrome hosts a high cadence of approximately 15 orbital launches per year. Check the operator's website for public viewing arrangements and launch windows.
What satellites can I see that were launched from Plesetsk?
Satellites regularly launched from Plesetsk include Military reconnaissance, GLONASS navigation, military communications. Use OrbitalNodes to track any visible satellite in real time.
Why was Plesetsk built at this latitude?
Plesetsk at 62.9271°N was positioned to serve high-inclination and polar orbit missions. The site has been operational since 1966.
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