Vostok-L 8K72 | Luna-3

A Vostok-L 8K72 rocket launched Vostok-L 8K72 | Luna-3 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan, targeting Lunar flyby.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Soviet Space Program
Mission type
Lunar Exploration
Rocket
Vostok-L 8K72
Launch site
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
Launch pad
1/5
Payload
—
Target orbit
Lunar flyby
Vostok-L 8K72 | Luna-3 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1959-10-04T00:43:39.000Z
    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 flyby.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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