In pics: Russia's Soyuz blasts off on its first moon mission in nearly 50 years

Russia's recent launch of its first Moon probe in nearly five decades marks a significant step towards revitalizing its struggling space sector.

Published on: Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM IST

News

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM

In the picture, the Soyuz-2.1b rocket with the moon lander Luna 25 automatic station is set at a launch pad at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East on Tuesday.  (AFP)

2/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket with the moon lander Luna 25 automatic station being transported to a launch pad with the statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first person who flew to space. (AFP)

3/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM

The Russian lunar lander seen while taking off for space. Russia's recent launch of its first Moon probe in nearly five decades marks a significant step towards revitalizing its struggling space sector. The mission, initiated on Friday, aims to reinvigorate Russia's efforts in space exploration, which have faced challenges over the years. (AFP)

4/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM

The launch of the Luna-25 probe is Moscow's first lunar mission since 1976, when the USSR was a pioneer in the conquest of space. The rocket with the Luna-25 probe lifted off at 02:10 am Moscow time (2310 GMT Thursday) from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, according to live images broadcast by the Russian space agency Roscosmos. (AFP)

5/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM

The spacecraft, which will remain on the Moon for a year, will be tasked with "taking (samples) and analysing the soil" as well as "conducting long-term scientific research", the Russian space agency said. President Vladimir Putin has pledged to continue Russia's space programme despite sanctions, pointing to the USSR's sending of the first man into space in 1961 at a time of escalating East-West tensions. (AFP)

6/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 12, 2023 7:44 PM

The Russian lunar lander is expected to reach the moon on Aug. 23, about the same day as an Indian craft which was launched on July 14. The Russian spacecraft will take about 5.5 days to travel to the moon's vicinity, then spend three to seven days orbiting at about 100 kilometers (62 miles) before heading for the surface. (AFP)