Events in 1959

September 14, 1959

Luna 2 Moon Impact

The Soviet Union's Luna 2 spacecraft became the first human-made object to reach the Moon, deliberately crashing into its surface near the Palus Putredinis region. This historic achievement marked a significant milestone in space exploration and demonstrated the Soviet Union's technological prowess during the Space Race.

October 7, 1959

Luna 3's First Moon Far Side Photos

Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 made history by capturing the first-ever photographs of the Moon's far side, revealing striking differences between lunar hemispheres and transforming our understanding of Earth's only natural satellite.