Luna

Soviet R-7-derived lunar probe launch rocket

The Soviet Union's dedicated lunar probe launcher, an R-7 with a new upper stage. Luna 2 in September 1959 was the first object ever to reach the Moon's surface; Luna 3 a month later took the first photos of its far side.

Service1958–1960

1958·first flight◇1959·peak (4 launches)●1960·last flight

launches: 9
success · 2/9: 22%

Full Launch History


Apr 16, 196016:07:00 UTCFailure	Luna 1960B Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Failure
Apr 15, 196015:06:00 UTCFailure	Luna 1960A Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Failure
Oct 4, 195900:43:00 UTC	Luna 3 Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Success
Sep 12, 195906:39:00 UTC	Luna 2 Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Success
Jun 18, 195908:08:00 UTCFailure	Luna 1959A Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Failure
Jan 2, 195916:41:00 UTCPartial failure	Luna 1 Russia•Luna	-	Luna	partial failure
Dec 4, 195818:18:00 UTCFailure	Luna 1958C Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Failure
Oct 11, 195821:42:00 UTCFailure	Luna 1958B Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Failure
Sep 23, 195807:40:00 UTCFailure	Luna 1958A Russia•Luna	-	Luna	Failure