1981 in spaceflight Launches Launches

| Date_and_time_UTC_ | Rocket | Site | Orbit | Function_ | Decay_UTC_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 February, 10:00 UTC | Molniya-M / 2BL (R-7 8K78M/2BL) | LC-16/2, Plesetsk | Molniya | Missile early warning | Still in orbit |
| 21 February, 00:30 UTC | Mu-3 S | LA-M, Kagoshima | LEO | Solar research | 11 July 1991 |
| 21 February, 23:23 UTC | Atlas-Centaur SLV-3D | LC-36A , Cape Canavaral | GSO | Comsat | Still in orbit |
| 21 February | Minuteman III | LF-26, Vandenberg AFB | Sub-orbital | ICBM test | 21 February 1981 |
| 25 February, 17:20 UTC | Sergeant- Hydac | Poker Flat | Sub-orbital | Test flight | 25 February 1981 |
| 28 February, 19:15 UTC | Titan 24B / Agena-D | SLC-4W , Vandenberg AFB | LEO | Reconnaissance | 20 June 1981 |
| 1 March, 09:20 UTC | OTRAG | Sabha | Sub-orbital | Test flight | 1 March 1981 |
| 5 March, 15:00 UTC | Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) | LC-41/1, Plesetsk | LEO | Reconnaissance | 4 April 1981 |