Luna 23

USSR

International Sat. n°:

USSR satellite n°:

Launch data:

Designation 07491 / 74084A
Launch date 28 Oct 1974
Launch site B, LC-81/24
Launch vehicle Proton-K/Blok-D
Satellite type Ye-8-5M #1
Mission Lunar Orbiter/Lander
Selencentric orbit
Perihelion / Aphelion  17 x 105 km
Incl. to ecliptic  °
Period   min

Specifications:

Manufacturer Lavochkin
Operator  
Mass at launch 5300 kg
Dry mass kg
Dimension  
Basic shape  
Solar array  
Soft landing

Decay:

Out of service:  
Cause:  
Landing on Moon date:  06 Nov 1974
Lifetime: 

Mission details:

Failed lunar soil return mission. After successfully entering earth orbit, flying to the moon, entering lunar orbit, and descending toward the surface, the spacecraft was damaged during landing in Mare Crisium (Sea of Crises). The sample collecting apparatus could not operate and no samples were returned. The lander continued transmissions for three days after landing.
  • In 1976, Luna 24 landed several hundred meters away and successfully returned samples.
    Ref.: #1, #14 - update: 24.11.05 Home