| Spacecraft Name
|
Type
|
Launch Date
|
Date of Lunar Encounter
|
Country
|
Launcher
|
Comments
|
|
|
| Luna 1 |
Lunar Flyby |
January 2, 1959 at 16:41:21 UTC |
January 4, 1959
|
USSR |
SS-6/R-7 (8K72) |
First spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Moon , closest distance 5,995 km, impact intended
|
| Luna 2 |
Lunar Impact |
September 12, 1959 at 06:39:42 UTC |
September 14, 1959, 22:02:24 UTC |
USSR |
SS-6/R-7 (8K72) |
First Lunar Impact - Landing coordinates: 29.1° N, 0° W.
|
| Luna 3 |
Lunar Flyby |
October 4, 1959 at 02:24:00 UTC |
October 6, 1959, 14:16 UTC
|
USSR |
SS-6/R-7 (8K72) |
First image of the far side of the Moon; closest distance of 6,200 km near south pole
|
