Table:
text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
19 September, 21:28:40 UTC Feng Bao 1 LA-2B, JSLC LEO Technology development 17 August 1982
19 September, 21:28:40 UTC Feng Bao 1 LA-2B, JSLC LEO Technology development 26 September 1981
19 September, 21:28:40 UTC Feng Bao 1 LA-2B, JSLC LEO Technology development 6 October 1982
21 September, 13:10 UTC Tsyklon-3 LC-32/1, Plesetsk LEO Magnetosphere research Still in orbit
23 September, 08:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 3 April 1989
24 September, 23:09 UTC Delta 3910 / PAM LC-17A , Cape Canaveral GEO Comsat Still in orbit
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 28 August 1983
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 27 February 1982

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
5 March, 16:48 UTC Sergeant- Hydac Poker Flat Sub-orbital Test flight 5 March 1981
5 March, 18:09 UTC Tsyklon-2 (R-36 11K69) LC-90, Baikonur LEO Ocean reconnaissance 19 July 1981
6 March, 11:31 UTC Kosmos-3M (R-14 11K65M) LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Comsat Still in orbit
7 March, 08:09 UTC Taurus- Orion Poker Flat Sub-orbital l Aurora research 7 March 1981
7 March, 08:09 UTC Taurus- Orion Poker Flat Sub-orbital Aeronomy / Ionospheric / Plasma research 7 March 1981
7 March, 08:26 UTC Taurus- Orion Poker Flat Sub-orbital l Aurora research 7 March 1981
7 March, 08:38 UTC Paiute- Tomahawk Poker Flat Sub-orbital l Aurora research 7 March 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 26 February 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 5 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 17 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 16 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 22 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 23 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 24 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 18 December 1982

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
20 November, 01:37 UTC Delta 3910 / PAM LC-17A , Cape Canaveral GSO Comsat Still in orbit
20 November, 08:30 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-107/2, Kapustin Yar LEO Earth observation 30 November 1991
23 November Black Brant 8C White Sands Sub-orbital Solar research 23 November 1981
24 November Minuteman III LF-09, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Operational test flight 24 November 1981
28 November, 18:08 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Comsat Still in orbit
1 December, 01:38 UTC Black Brant X Cape Parry Sub-orbital Plasma research 1 December 1981
1 December, 15:50:00 UTC Petrel Esrange Sub-orbital Aeronomy 1 December 1981
1 December R-39 Rif Nonoksa Sub-orbital Test flight 1 December 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
6 January, 12:15 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 20 January 1981
9 January, 14:57 UTC Molniya-M / ML (R-7 8K78M/ML) LC-41/1, Plesetsk Molniya Comsat 3 July 1999
10 January, 18:22 UTC Nike Tomahawk Siple Station , Ellsworth Island Sub-orbital Ionospheric research 10 January 1981
14 January, 22:00 UTC TT-500A LA-T, Tanegashima Sub-orbital Test rocket 14 January 1981
16 January, 09:00 UTC Kosmos-3M (R-14 11K65M) LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration Still in orbit
16 January, 12:00 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 28 January 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
May MR-12 Professor Zubov Sub-orbital Aeronomy Within an hour of launch
3 June, 14:00 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 3 July 1981
3 June SSBS S3 BL-B, Biscarosse Sub-orbital Operational test flight 3 June 1981
4 June, 15:41 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Navigation Still in orbit
9 June, 03:33 UTC Molniya-M Plesetsk Molniya Comsat 10 February 1998
12 June DOT Kwajalein Atoll Sub-orbital Test interceptor 12 June 1981
12 June Minuteman III LF-09, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Operational test flight 12 June 1981
16 June, 07:00 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 29 June 1981
17 June, 09:30 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 1 July 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
19 January, 03:37 UTC Black Brant VB Fort Churchill Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 19 January 1981
20 January, 04:50 UTC Astrobee-F White Sands Sub-orbital Ultraviolet astronomy 20 January 1981
20 January, 11:00 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) LC-31/6 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 17 February 1981
21 January, 00:25 UTC Black Brant 8C White Sands Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 21 January 1981
21 January, 08:29 UTC Kosmos-3M (R-14 11K65M) LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO ASAT target Still in orbit
21 January, 21:46 UTC S-310 Kagoshima Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 21 January 1981
23 January, 11:20 UTC Tsyklon-3 (R-36 11K68) LC-32/1, Plesetsk Intended: MEO Geodetics 23 January 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
7 February, 20:13:45 UTC Petrel 2 Esrange Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 7 February 1981
7 February, 20:30 UTC Nike Orion Kiruna Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 7 February 1981
9 February Minuteman III LF-08, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital ICBM test 9 February 1981
9 February Minuteman III LF-09, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital ICBM test 9 February 1981
11 February, 08:30 UTC N-II LA-N, Tanegashima MEO Test carrier rocket/technology development Still in orbit
12 February, 05:27 UTC Centaure 2B Thumba Sub-orbital Ionosphere research 12 February 1981
12 February, 18:21 UTC Kosmos-3M (R-14 11K65M) LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Navigation Still in orbit
13 February, 11:15 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance satellite 27 February 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
12 August, 05:46 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Navigation Still in orbit
13 August, 02:26 UTC Trident C-4 USSJohn C. Calhoun , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 13 August 1981
13 August, 02:46 UTC Trident C-4 USSJohn C. Calhoun , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 13 August 1981
13 August, 03:32 UTC Trident C-4 USSJohn C. Calhoun , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 13 August 1981
13 August, 16:20 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 13 September 1981
14 August, 07:43 UTC Black Brant X Wallops Island Sub-orbital Test flight 14 August 1981
18 August, 09:30 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 30 August 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
12 November, 15:09:59 UTC Space Shuttle Columbia LC-39A , Kennedy LEO Manned orbital flight 14 November 1981, 21:23:11 UTC
12 November, 15:09:59 UTC Space Shuttle Columbia LC-39A , Kennedy LEO , attached to Columbia Flight recorder 14 November 1981, 21:23:11 UTC
12 November, 15:09:59 UTC Space Shuttle Columbia LC-39A , Kennedy LEO , attached to Columbia Remote sensing 14 November 1981, 21:23:11 UTC
13 November, 09:30 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 27 November 1981
15 November, 17:50 UTC Trident C-4 USSBenjamin Franklin , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 15 November 1981
17 November, 15:25 UTC Molniya-M Plesetsk Molniya Comsat 2 November 1993
17 November Black Brant 8B White Sands Sub-orbital X-Ray astronomy 17 November 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
4 February, 01:10 UTC Aries LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital ABM technology development 4 February 1981
4 February, 05:00 UTC Centaure Thumba Sub-orbital Ionosphere research 4 February 1981
4 February, 15:00 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 4 February 1981
4 February, 15:33 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 4 February 1981
4 February, 15:53 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 4 February 1981
5 February, 11:25 UTC Sergeant Poker Flat Sub-orbital l Aurora research 5 February 1981
6 February, 08:00 UTC Kosmos-3M (R-14 11K65M) LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Technology development 7 July 1982

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
9 December Minuteman III LF-26, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Operational test flight 9 December 1981
10 December Sonda-3 Natal Sub-orbital Ionosphere research 10 December 1981
13 December, 21:31:38 UTC Black Brant IVB Cape Parry Sub-orbital l Aurora research 13 December 1981
13 December, 22:54:25 UTC Black Brant X Cape Parry Sub-orbital Plasma research 13 December 1981
15 December, 23:35 UTC Atlas-Centaur SLV-3D LC-36B , Cape Canaveral GSO Comsat Still in orbit
16 December, 14:10:00 UTC Petrel Esrange Sub-orbital Aeronomy 16 December 1981
17 December, 11:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Amateur radio Still in orbit

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
28 August, 00:04 UTC Trident C-4 USSSimon Bolivar , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 28 August 1981
28 August, 16:18 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Comsat Still in orbit
28 August R-5V Kapustin Yar Sub-orbital Solar research 28 August 1981
August MR-12 Professor Zubov Sub-orbital Aeronomy Within an hour of launch
3 September, 18:29 UTC Titan III D SLC-4E , Vandenberg AFB LEO ( SSO ) Reconnaissance 23 November 1984
4 September, 08:00 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 18 September 1981
4 September, 11:06 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Navigation Still in orbit
5 September, 01:00 UTC S-520 LA-K, Kagoshima Sub-orbital Ionosphere research 5 September 1981
7 September, 09:38 UTC S-310 Kagoshima Sub-orbital Aeronomy 7 September 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
7 April, 14:19 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 7 April 1981
7 April, 14:40 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 7 April 1981
9 April, 12:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration Still in orbit
12 April, 12:00:03 UTC Space Shuttle Columbia LC-39A , Kennedy LEO Manned orbital flight 14 April 1981, 18:20:57 UTC
12 April, 12:00:03 UTC Space Shuttle Columbia LC-39A , Kennedy LEO , attached to Columbia Flight recorder 14 April 1981, 18:20:57 UTC
15 April, 10:30 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 29 April 1981
16 April, 11:30 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 28 April 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
4 May, 07:55 UTC Black Brant 8C LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital X-Ray astronomy 4 May 1981
6 May, 08:00 UTC Black Brant 8C LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Aeronomy 6 May 1981
7 May, 13:21 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Comsat Still in orbit
8 May, 05:27 UTC Skylark 7 LA-S, Esrange Sub-orbital Microgravity research 8 May 1981
14 May, 17:16:38 UTC Soyuz-U LC-1/5 , Baikonur LEO , docked to Salyut 6 Manned orbital flight 22 May 1981
14 May, 21:45 UTC Vostok-2M Plesetsk LEO Weather satellite Still in orbit
15 May, 06:07:17 UTC Scout G-1 SLC-5 , Vandenberg AFB LEO ( Polar ) Navigation Still in orbit

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
16 March, 19:24 UTC Titan III C LC-40 , Cape Canaveral GEO . Moved to Graveyard orbit after retirement Missile early warning Still in orbit
17 March, 08:40 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) LC-31 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 31 March 1981
18 March, 04:40 UTC Proton-K / DM LC-200/40 , Baikonur GEO . Moved to Graveyard orbit after retirement Comsat Still in orbit
20 March, 23:45 UTC Tsyklon-2 (R-36 11K69) LC-90, Baikonur LEO Ocean reconnaissance 22 May 1982
22 March, 14:58 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) LC-31/6 , Baikonur LEO , docked to Salyut 6 Manned orbital flight 30 March 1981
24 March, 03:00 UTC Black Brant 8C LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Ultraviolet astronomy 24 March 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
18 May, 11:50 UTC Soyuz-U LC-31/6 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 17 June 1981
19 May, 03:49 UTC Vostok-2M Plesetsk LEO ELINT Still in orbit
21 May, 09:10 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 4 June 1981
22 May, 07:10 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 4 June 1981
22 May, 22:29 UTC Delta 3914 LC-17A , Cape Canaveral GSO Weather satellite Still in orbit
23 May, 22:42 UTC Atlas-Centaur SLV-3D LC-36B , Cape Canaveral GSO Comsat Still in orbit
27 May, 04:25 UTC Black Brant VC LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Ultraviolet astronomy 27 May 1981
31 May, 05:00 UTC SLV FLP, Sriharikota LEO Technology demonstration 8 June 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
19 December, 01:10 UTC Atlas-E / SVS [ disambiguation needed ] SLC-3E , Vandenberg AFB Intended: MEO Prototype navigation satellite 19 December 1981
19 December, 11:50 UTC Soyuz-U LC-31/6 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 19 January 1982
19 December, 20:00 UTC Petrel El Arenosillo Sub-orbital Aeronomy 19 December 1981
20 December, 01:29:00 UTC Ariane 1 ELA-1 , CSG GEO , then Graveyard orbit Comsat Still in orbit
20 December, 01:29:00 UTC Ariane 1 ELA-1 , CSG GTO Flight data recorder Still in orbit
20 December, 01:29:00 UTC Ariane 1 ELA-1 , CSG GTO Flight data recorder 21 November 1988
21 December, 18:37 UTC Vertikal LC-107, Kapustin Yar Sub-orbital Aeronomy / Ionosphere research 21 December 1981
23 December, 13:15 UTC Molniya-M Baikonur Molniya Comsat Still in orbit

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
31 October, 09:22:00 UTC Titan III C LC-40 , Cape Canaveral GEO ELINT Still in orbit
31 October, 22:54 UTC Molniya-M LC-16/2, Plesetsk Molniya Missile detection Still in orbit
3 November, 13:00 UTC Soyuz-U LC-41/1, Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 4 December 1981
4 November, 05:31 UTC Proton-K / D-1 LC-200/39 , Baikonur Heliocentric Venus flyby Still in orbit
4 November, 05:31 UTC Proton-K / D-1 LC-200/39 , Baikonur Heliocentric Venus lander 5 March 1982
7 November, 12:03:40 UTC Sergeant Poker Flat Sub-orbital l Aurora research 7 November 1981
9 November Taurus-Orion LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Aeronomy 9 November 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
24 March, 03:31 UTC Molniya-M LC-41/1, Plesetsk Cosmodrome Molniya Comsat 19 October 1992
25 March, 08:05 UTC Taurus-Tomahawk Poker Flat Sub-orbital Plasma research 25 March 1981
28 March, 01:54 UTC Black Brant VB Fort Churchill Sub-orbital Ionosphere research 28 March 1981
28 March, 01:54 UTC Black Brant IVB Fort Churchill Sub-orbital Ionosphere research 28 March 1981
28 March, 09:30 UTC Soyuz-U LC-31/6 , Baikonur Intended: LEO Reconnaissance satellite 28 March 1981
30 March, 05:52 UTC Nike Orion Poker Flat Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 30 March 1981
31 March, 09:40 UTC Molniya-M LC-41/1, Plesetsk Molniya Missile defence Still in orbit
1 April, 09:04:35 UTC Taurus-Tomahawk Poker Flat Sub-orbital Plasma research 1 April 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
8 March, 16:00 UTC Nike Orion Poker Flat Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 8 March 1981
12 March, 04:30 UTC Sergeant- Hydac Poker Flat Sub-orbital Test flight 12 March 1981
12 March, 19:00 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) LC-1/5 , Baikonur LEO , docked to Salyut 6 Manned orbital flight 25 May 1981, 12:37 UTC
13 March, 16:00 UTC Nike Orion Fort Churchill Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 13 March 1981
14 March, 16:55 UTC Tsyklon-2 (R-36 11K69) LC-90, Baikonur LEO ASAT test 14 March 1981
15 March Minuteman IB LF-03, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Test re-entry vehicle 15 March 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
8 September UR-100N Baikonur Sub-orbital Operational test flight 8 September 1981
11 September, 08:43 UTC Molniya-M LC-43/3, Plesetsk Intended: Molniya Achieved: MEO Comsat Still in orbit
12 September Minuteman IB LF-06, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Re-entry test 12 September 1981
14 September, 20:31 UTC Tsyklon-2 LC-90, Baikonur LEO SIGINT 16 July 1982
15 September, 11:30 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 29 September 1981
18 September, 03:34 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/1, Plesetsk LEO Navigation Still in orbit
18 September, 09:30 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 1 October 1981
18 September, 17:59:58 UTC Vertikal LC-107, Kapustin Yar Sub-orbital Plasma research 18 September 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 31 December 1982
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 28 February 1983
28 September, 21:00 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Radar calibration 27 February 1983
29 September Topol LC-167, Plesetsk Sub-orbital Test flight 29 September 1981
30 September, 08:00 UTC Tsyklon-3 LC-32/1, Plesetsk LEO Geodetics research Still in orbit
30 September, 23:20:00 UTC Black Brant 8C Esrange Sub-orbital l Aurora research 30 September 1981
30 September Black Brant VC LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Solar research 30 September 1981
1 October, 09:00 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 15 October 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
18 April MR-UR-100U LC-172, Baikonur Sub-orbital Operational test flight 18 April 1981
21 April, 03:45 UTC Tsyklon-2 LC-90, Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance Still in orbit
24 April, 21:32 UTC Titan 34B SLC-4W , Vandenberg AFB Molniya Comsat Still in orbit
25 April, 02:01 UTC Proton-K LC-200/39 , Baikonur LEO , docked to Salyut 6 Technology demonstration 29 July 1982
27 April, 23:15 UTC Aries LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Ultraviolet astronomy 27 April 1981
28 April, 09:00 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 12 May 1981
30 April, 06:00 UTC Skylark 7 LA-S, Esrange Sub-orbital Microgravity research 30 April 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
3 December, 11:47 UTC Tsyklon-3 LC-32/1, Plesetsk LEO SIGINT Still in orbit
4 December, 09:50 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 18 December 1981
6 December, 23:14:58 UTC Black Brant IVB Cape Parry Sub-orbital l Aurora research 6 December 1981
7 December, 00:00:40 UTC Terrier-Malemute Cape Parry Sub-orbital Plasma research 7 December 1981
7 December Dong Feng 5 LA-2B, JSLC Sub-orbital Test flight 7 December 1981
8 December Aerobee 150 LC-35, White Sands Sub-orbital Magnetosphere research 8 December 1981
9 December, 17:17:00 UTC Petrel 2 Esrange Sub-orbital Aeronomy 9 December 1981
9 December, 21:25:35 UTC Skylark 7 LA-S, Esrange Sub-orbital Ionosphere / Plasma research 9 December 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
19 June, 12:32:59 UTC Ariane 1 ELA-1 , CSG GEO , then graveyard orbit Weather satellite Still in orbit
19 June, 12:32:59 UTC Ariane 1 ELA-1 , CSG GEO Comsat Still in orbit
19 June, 12:32:59 UTC Ariane 1 ELA-1 , CSG GTO Flight data recorder Still in orbit
19 June, 19:37:04 UTC Molniya-M Plesetsk Molniya Missile detection 2 September 2000
19 June Poseidon USSLewis and Clark , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 19 June 1981
23 June, 10:52:59 UTC Atlas-F SLC-3W , Vandenberg AFB LEO ( SSO ) Weather satellite Still in orbit
24 June, 17:47 UTC Molniya-M Plesetsk Molniya Comsat 14 December 1991

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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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

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
25 June, 23:55 UTC Proton-K / DM LC-200/40 , Baikonur GSO Comsat Still in orbit
26 June Minuteman III LF-26, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Operational test flight 26 June 1981
June MR-12 Professor Zubov Sub-orbital Aeronomy Within an hour of launch
1 July, 09:30 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 15 July 1981
2 July, 07:10 UTC Soyuz-U LC-43/3, Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 15 July 1981
7 July, 12:30 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 21 July 1981
10 July, 05:14 UTC Vostok-2M Baikonur LEO ( SSO ) Weather satellite Still in orbit
10 July, 05:14 UTC Vostok-2M Baikonur LEO ( SSO ) Microgravity research 16 April 1990

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
13 February, 17:15 UTC Black Brant 8C LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Solar research 13 February 1981
17 February, 17:15 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 17 February 1981
17 February, 17:51 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 17 February 1981
17 February, 19:17 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 17 February 1981
18 February, 09:00 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) LC-31/6 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 13 March 1981
18 February INTA-300 El Arenosillo Sub-orbital Aeronomy research 18 February 1981
18 February Minuteman IB LF-06, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Test re-entry vehicle 18 February 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
24 January, 14:18 UTC Soyuz-U (R-7 11A511U) LC-1/5 , Baikonur LEO , docked to Salyut 6 Resupply Salyut 6 20 March 1981, 16:58:58 UTC
26 January, 07:20 UTC Black Brant IVB Fort Churchill Sub-orbital l Aurora research 26 January 1981
27 January, 14:58 UTC Vostok-2M (R-7 8A92M) Plesetsk LEO SIGINT satellite Still in orbit
29 January, 04:12 UTC Astrobee-F Fort Churchill Sub-orbital Plasma research 29 January 1981
29 January, 17:00 UTC S-520 LA-K, Kagoshima Sub-orbital Ionospheric /tether research 29 January 1981
30 January, 16:27 UTC Molniya-M / ML (R-7 8K78M/ML) Plesetsk Molniya Comsat Still in orbit
2 February, 02:19 UTC Tsyklon-2 (R-36 11K69) LC-90, Baikonur LEO ASAT test 2 February 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
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Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
3 August, 09:56 UTC Delta 3913 SLC-2W , Vandenberg AFB HEO Magnetosphere research Still in orbit
4 August, 00:13 UTC Molniya-M Plesetsk Molniya Missile detection Still in orbit
4 August, 08:28 UTC Tsyklon-2 LC-90, Baikonur LEO ELINT 16 October 1982
6 August, 08:16:00 UTC Atlas-Centaur SLV-3D LC-36A , Cape Canaveral GEO Comsat Still in orbit
6 August, 11:49 UTC Kosmos-3M LC-132/2, Plesetsk LEO Comsat Still in orbit
7 August, 13:35 UTC Vostok-2M LC-43/3, Plesetsk LEO Ionosphere research Still in orbit
9 August Nike Orion Wallops Island Sub-orbital Plasma research 9 August 1981
9 August Taurus-Orion Wallops Island Sub-orbital Plasma research 9 August 1981
10 August, 20:03 UTC N-II LA-N, Tanegashima GSO Weather satellite Still in orbit

text: 1981 in spaceflight
Launches
Launches
Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
21 August, 10:20 UTC Soyuz-U LC-1/5 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 2 October 1981
22 August, 01:00 UTC Poseidon USSNathanael Greene , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 22 August 1981
24 August, 12:00 UTC S-310 Kagoshima Sub-orbital Aeronomy and l Aurora research 24 August 1981
24 August, 16:37 UTC Tsyklon-2 LC-90, Baikonur LEO Naval reconnaissance Still in orbit
24 August, 21:40 UTC Tsyklon-3 LC-32/1, Plesetsk LEO SIGINT Still in orbit
25 August Taurus-Orion LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Aeronomy 25 August 1981
27 August, 10:30 UTC Soyuz-U LC-41/1, Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance and remote sensing 10 September 1981
28 August, 00:03 UTC Trident C-4 USSSimon Bolivar , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 28 August 1981

text: 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

text: 1981 in spaceflight
Launches
Launches
Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
15 October, 09:15 UTC Soyuz-U Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 29 October 1981
16 October Nike Tomahawk White Sands Sub-orbital Aeronomy 16 October 1981
17 October, 05:59 UTC Molniya-M LC-41/1, Plesetsk Molniya Comsat 9 January 1997
17 October Astrobee-F White Sands Sub-orbital X-Ray astronomy 17 October 1981
21 October Pershing 1A McGregor Range , Fort Bliss Sub-orbital Test flight 21 October 1981
25 October, 19:01:00 UTC Nike Tomahawk Andøya Sub-orbital l Aurora research 25 October 1981
30 October, 06:04 UTC Proton-K / D-1 LC-200/40 , Baikonur Heliocentric Venus flyby Still in orbit
30 October, 06:04 UTC Proton-K / D-1 LC-200/40 , Baikonur Heliocentric Venus lander 1 March 1982

text: 1981 in spaceflight
Launches
Launches
Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
1 April, 09:10 UTC Trident C-4 USSSimon Bolivar , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 1 April 1981
1 April Minuteman III LF-04, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Operational test flight 1 April 1981
2 April Taurus-Orion Wallops Island Sub-orbital Plasma research 2 April 1981
3 April, 06:20:55 UTC Nike Orion Poker Flat Sub-orbital Aeronomy 3 April 1981
3 April Taurus-Orion Wallops Island Sub-orbital Plasma research 3 April 1981
4 April Minuteman IB LF-06, Vandenberg AFB Sub-orbital Re-entry test 4 April 1981
7 April, 10:51 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 21 April 1981
7 April, 14:00 UTC Pershing 1A LC-16 , Cape Canaveral Sub-orbital Operational test flight 7 April 1981

text: 1981 in spaceflight
Launches
Launches
Date_and_time_UTC_ Rocket Site Orbit Function_ Decay_UTC_
11 July Poseidon USSGeorge C. Marshall , ETR Sub-orbital Operational test flight 11 July 1981
15 July, 13:00 UTC Soyuz-U LC-31/6 , Baikonur LEO Reconnaissance 14 August 1981
17 July, 08:00 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 31 July 1981
29 July, 11:55 UTC Soyuz-U Plesetsk LEO Reconnaissance 12 August 1981
30 July, 21:38 UTC Proton-K / DM LC-200/39 , Baikonur GSO Comsat Still in orbit
31 July, 10:50 UTC Aries LC-36, White Sands Sub-orbital Infrared astronomy 31 July 1981
July MR-12 Professor Zubov Sub-orbital Aeronomy Within an hour of launch
1 August, 22:00 UTC TT-500A LA-T, Tanegashima Sub-orbital Test flight 1 August 1981

Question: Among 1981 in space travel, which location has an orbit of Leo, a decay (UTC) of still in orbit, and magnetospheric exploration?