Vostochny Cosmodrome
ActiveNo launches are currently scheduled from Vostochny Cosmodrome in the published manifest, which was last confirmed on 9 August 2026. Dates may have moved since.
Vostochny Cosmodrome is Russia's newest cosmodrome, built to reduce dependence on the Baikonur lease in Kazakhstan. The first orbital launch was in 2016. Long-term plans include crewed missions and Angara heavy-lift operations.
Site history
Orbital mechanics from 51.8845°N
A launch site's latitude determines which orbits are achievable and at what fuel cost. Vostochny at 51.8845°N sets the following constraints:
Satellite train visibility from Vostochny
From 51.8845°N, Vostochny can reach 3 Starlink inclination shells: 53°, 70°, 97.6° SSO (polar).
Trains launched to higher inclinations are visible from more of the world. A 97° SSO train from Vostochny 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.
Vostochny: Russia's modern cosmodrome
Built in Russia's Far East to reduce dependence on the Kazakh-leased Baikonur, Vostochny launches the Soyuz-2 and is the planned home of the heavier Angara family.
It is sited so that spent stages fall over sparsely populated Russian territory and the Pacific rather than across foreign borders.
Vostochny — Launch Site FAQ
Where is Vostochny and who operates it?
Vostochny Cosmodrome is located at 51.8845°N, 128.3337°E in Amur Oblast, Russia. It is owned and operated by Roscosmos. The site has conducted approximately 20 orbital launches since its first in 2016.
What rockets launch from Vostochny?
Current vehicles operating from Vostochny Cosmodrome include Soyuz-2, Angara (planned). Primary customers are Roscosmos, launching Civilian government satellites, future crewed missions.
What orbits can Vostochny reach?
At 51.8845°N, Vostochny's minimum achievable inclination is 51.9° (due-east launch). Sun-synchronous orbits (around 97°) are particularly efficient from this high latitude. The site can reach orbits between roughly 52° and 98° inclination.
Can I watch launches from Vostochny?
Yes — Vostochny Cosmodrome hosts a moderate cadence of approximately 4 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 Vostochny?
Satellites regularly launched from Vostochny include Civilian government satellites, future crewed missions. Use OrbitalNodes to track any visible satellite in real time.
Why was Vostochny built at this latitude?
Vostochny at 51.8845°N was positioned to serve high-inclination and polar orbit missions. The site has been operational since 2016.
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