The First Soviet Lunar Flights
- Paper number
IAC-12,E4,2,6,x15700
- Author
Prof. Vyacheslav V. Ivashkin, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, RAS, Russia
- Year
2012
- Abstract
An analysis of the pioneer Lunar space flights is given in the paper. This is the spacecraft Luna 1 (January 1959, a Dream) with the first close flyby of the Moon and scientific investigation of the near-Moon space, the first artificial planet. Then, this is the spacecraft Luna 2 (September 1959) with the first flight on the Moon impacting the lunar surface and investigating the near-Moon vicinity to its surface. Finally, this is the automatic interplanetary station Luna 3 (October 1959) that made the first photos of the far Lunar side and successfully sent them to the Soviet Control Ground Station. The first Lunar gravity assist was performed in this flight to fulfill the aims which were put before the station. There is given an analysis of the Soviet science-technology achievements that allowed realizing these outstanding Projects. There is analyzed their influence on the development of the world Cosmonautics including the first manned flight of Jury Gagarin and following Lunar and interplanetary Projects.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-12,E4,2,6,x15700.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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