Monday, January 9, 2017

Luna 21 launched 1973


Luna 21, Soviet probe to the Moon, was launched January 9, 1973.  It deployed the second successful Soviet rover Lunokhod 2.  The rover operated until June 3, exploring during the long lunar day, hibernating during the lunar night.  Its mission concluded on June 3, it is assumed it failed or could not be revived after the lunar night.




It logged almost 24 miles over its lifetime, a record for rovers until Opportunity on Mars surpassed its distance.

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