Luna 18

USSR

International Sat. n°:

USSR satellite n°:

Launch data:

Designation 05448 / 71073A
Launch date 02 Sep 1971
Launch site B, LC-81/24
Launch vehicle Proton-K/Blok-D
Satellite type E-8-5
Mission Lunar lander
Selencentric orbit
Perihelion / Aphelion  100 x 100 km
Incl. to ecliptic 35.0 °
Period   min

Specifications:

Prime contractor  
Operator  
Mass at launch 5600 kg
Dry mass kg
Dimension  
Basic shape  
Solar array  

Decay:

Out of service:  
Cause:  
Lunar impact date:  11 Sep 1971
Lifetime: 

Misssion details:

Attempted lunar soil return mission; crashed while attempting to soft land at Latitude 3.57 N, Longitude 50.50 E - Mare Fecunditatis. Luna 18 successfully reached earth parking orbit before being put on a translunar trajectory. On September 7, 1971, it entered lunar orbit. The spacecraft completed 85 communications sessions and 54 lunar orbits before it was sent towards the lunar surface by use of braking rockets. It impacted the Moon on September 11, 1971, in a rugged mountainous terrain. Signals ceased at the moment of impact.
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