1981 in spaceflight Launches Launches

| Date_and_time_UTC_ | Rocket | Site | Orbit | Function_ | Decay_UTC_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 October | Minuteman IB | LF-03, Vandenberg AFB | Sub-orbital | Re-entry test | 4 October 1981 |
| 6 October, 11:27 UTC | Delta 2310 | SLC-2W , Vandenberg AFB | LEO ( SSO ) | Solar research | 5 March 1991 |
| 6 October, 11:27 UTC | Delta 2310 | SLC-2W , Vandenberg AFB | LEO ( SSO ) | Technology demonstration Amateur radio | 13 October 1989 |
| 9 October, 10:40 UTC | Soyuz-U | LC-41/1, Plesetsk | LEO | Reconnaissance | 22 October 1981 |
| 9 October, 16:59 UTC | Proton-K / DM | LC-200/39 , Baikonur | GSO | Comsat | Still in orbit |
| 13 October, 23:01 UTC | Vostok-2M | Plesetsk | LEO | SIGINT | Still in orbit |
| 14 October | Nike Orion | Wallops Island | Sub-orbital | Plasma research | 14 October 1981 |