"Helios-B" was launched on January 10, 1976, using a Titan IIIE rocket. The probe was placed in an orbit with a 187-day period and a perihelion of . The orientation of "Helios-B" with respect to the ecliptic was reversed 180 degrees compared to "Helios-A" so that the micrometeorite detectors could have 360 degree coverage. On April 17, 1976, "Helios-B" made its closest pass of the Sun at a record heliocentric speed of . The maximum recorded temperature was higher than measured by "Helios-A".