Luna 16, launched by the Soviet Union September 12, 1970, was the first probe to land on the moon and then return a sample of the lunar soil to Earth. It landed in the Sea of Fertility (Mare Fecunditatis) at night September 20, becoming the first night landing. A drill pierced the lunar surface and obtained a sample of about 101 g. On September 21, the upper stage blasted off from the moon and returned to Earth three days later.
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