Venera 3

Launch data: Designation 001733 / 65092A Launch date 16 Nov 1965 - 04:19 UT Launch site Baikonur Launch vehicle Molniya 8K78M Mission Venus lander Satellite type  3MV-3 #1

Contact lost before entry. Venus impact on 1 Mar 1966.

Specifications:

Mission:

• Venera 3 was launched towards the planet Venus. The mission was to land on the Venusian surface. The entry vehicle contained a radio communication system, scientific instruments, electrical power sources, and medallions bearing the State Coat of Arms of the U.S.S.R.
• The probe crash-landed on Venus on March 1, 1966 becoming the first spacecraft to land on another planet′s surface. It impacted on the night side of Venus, near the terminator, probably around -20° to 20° N, 60° to 80° E. However, its communications systems failed before it could return any information about the planet.