Vostok-L 8K72 | Luna-2

Soviet Space Program flew Vostok-L 8K72 | Luna-2 on a Vostok-L 8K72 out of Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan, placing its payload in Lunar Impactor.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Soviet Space Program
Mission type
Lunar Exploration
Launch pad
1/5
Payload
—
Target orbit
Lunar Impactor
Vostok-L 8K72 | Luna-2 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1959-09-12T06:39:42.000Z
    Liftoff
    Vostok-L 8K72 roars off the pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in Lunar Impactor.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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