September 12, 2022
On this date in 1959, the Soviet spacecraft Luna 2 launched. Less than 48 hours after launch, the probe intentionally crashed into the surface of the Moon. Luna 2 became the first spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon, and the first human-made object to contact another celestial body.
The image on the left shows a Luna launch from 1959. On the right, an image of the Moon indicating the impact site of Luna 2. Image credits (left): RKK Energiya, (right): NASA
