 Model of Lunokhod 2 rover | |
| Mission type | Lunar rover |
|---|---|
| COSPAR ID | 1973-001A |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Dry mass | 840 kilograms (1,850 lb) (rover only) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | January 11, 1973, 06:55:38 UTC |
| Rocket | Proton-K/D |
| Launch site | Baikonur 81/23 |
| End of mission | |
| Last contact | May 11, 1973 |
| Lunar rover | |
| Spacecraft component | Rover |
| Landing date | January 15, 1973 |
Lunokhod 2 (Russian: Луноход-2 ("Moonwalker 2"), also known as Аппарат 8ЕЛ № 204 ("Device 8EL No. 204")) was the second of two uncrewed lunar rovers that landed on the Moon by the Soviet Union as part of the Lunokhod programme.
The Luna 21 spacecraft landed on the Moon and deployed the second Soviet lunar rover, Lunokhod 2, in January 1973.[1][2][3] The lander and rover together massed 1814 kg.
The primary objectives of the mission were to collect images of the lunar surface, examine ambient light levels to determine the feasibility of astronomical observations from the Moon, perform laser ranging experiments from Earth, observe solar X-rays, measure local magnetic fields, and study the soil mechanics of the lunar surface material.
- ^ Lunokhod 02 Archived April 18, 2021, at the Wayback Machine, NASA Solar System Exploration; page updated March 15, 2018. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
- ^ NSSDC Catalog, Luna 21/Lunokhod 2, version March 21, 2017. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
- ^ Mulholland, J. D.; Shelus, P. J.; Silverburg, E. C. (January 1, 1975). "Laser observations of the moon: Normal points for 1973". NASA. NTRS. Retrieved June 17, 2011.