The Molniya-L (Russian: Молния, meaning "lightning"). designation 8K78L, was a Russian (previously Soviet) carrier rocket used from 1963 to 1965.It was used in several launches in 1963 (Luna E-6 No.2 on 4 January, Luna E-6 No.3 on 3 February, Luna 4 on 2 April) and 1965 (Kosmos 60 on 12 March and Luna E-6 No.8 on 4 April).Its direct predecessors included the Molniya. The Molniya-M variant developed at the same time as Molniya-L proved to be much more successful and was used until the 2000s.