Two independent research teams have announced they found the missing Soviet Luna 9 lander, but each points to a different spot on the Moon, reigniting a debate over the historic probe’s exact landing site.
Lost Soviet Moon Probe Luna 9 – Location Dispute Sparks Research Rivalry
Image: Lost Soviet Moon Probe Luna 9 – Location Dispute Sparks Research Rivalry – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Luna 9 was the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon on 3 February 1966. Its sleek, spherical descent module was covered in a black‑white heat‑shield pattern to protect it during the high‑speed descent. The design was simple yet rugged, built to survive the harsh lunar environment.
Performance & Mileage
Powered by a Soyuz‑type launch vehicle, Luna 9 traveled roughly 384 000 km from Earth to the Moon. After a 23‑minute descent, it touched down at an estimated speed of 2.5 m/s. The probe transmitted the first photos from the Moon’s surface, proving the technology could work beyond low‑orbit missions.
Price & Rivals
The exact cost of the Luna 9 program remains classified, but Soviet space missions of the era typically ran into hundreds of millions of rubles, a massive investment at the time. Today, Luna 9 competes only with modern lunar landers for historical significance, not commercial value.
| Engine | Soyuz launch vehicle (liquid‑fuel rocket) |
|---|---|
| Mileage | ≈384,000 km (Earth‑to‑Moon) |
| Price | Classified (estimated high‑hundreds of millions RUB) |
| Top Features |
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FAQ
- Where did Luna 9 actually land? The exact coordinates are still debated; one team points to a Mare Serenitatis site, another to a nearby crater in Mare Imbrium.
- Why does the landing location matter? Knowing the precise spot helps scientists compare original images with modern satellite data and validates historic navigation records.
- Can we see Luna 9 today? The probe’s remains are likely covered by lunar dust, but high‑resolution orbiters may eventually spot its hardware.
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Source: Read Official News
