TEN RUSSIAN MOON PROBES

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31028, 6 April 1966, Page 17

TEN RUSSIAN MOON PROBES

(K.Z PA.-Reuter —Copyright! MOSCOW, April 5. The Soviet Union has launched 10 moon probes since it began its space programme in October, 1957. The following is a summary: Luna 1, launched on January 2, 1959, flew past the moon and went into orbit as an artificial satellite of the sun. Luna 11, launched on September 13, 1959, hit the moon: it bore a pennant with the hammer and sickle. Luna Hl. launched on October 4, 1959, flew round the moon and photographed the reverse side then became a satellite nf the earth. Luna IV, launched on April [2. 1963 The Soviet press hinted it might attempt a soft landing jbut it missed the moon by 5200 miles. Luna V. launched on May 9. 1965. hit the moon in the

area of the Sea of Clouds on May 12; but failed in attempted soft landing. Luna VI, launched on June 8. 1965.. The direct ion-changing motor failed to switch off and it missed the moon by 100,000 miles.

Luna VII. launched on October 4, 1965. hit the moon four days later near the Ocean of Storms west of the Kepler crater. Most of the soft-landing mission was successful but further development was said to be needed Luna VIII. launched on December 3, 1965, landed on the southern shore of the Ocean of Storms on December 7. Soft-landing system worked perfectly except at the final stage of touchdown. Luna IX. launched on January 31. 1966. made the first soft landing on the moon on February 3 and transmitted photographs of the moon’s surface to earth.

Luna X, launched on March 31, 1966, went into orbit as an artificial satellite of the moon on April 3.