Soviet spacecraft carries animals to the Moon

In 1968, the Soviet Union sent a spacecraft carrying two Russian steppe turtles, along with flies, worms, and seeds, on a mission that made them the first living organisms to orbit the Moon and return to Earth. The mission was part of the broader space race between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War.

Launch details and mission trajectory

The spacecraft was launched on 15 September 1968 from the Baikonur cosmodrome, initially placed on a low orbit before being propelled toward the Moon by an upper stage of the Proton launcher. It reached approximately 1,950 kilometers above the far side of the Moon before turning back toward Earth.

Earth images from deep space

During its journey, the spacecraft photographed Earth from a distance of about 90,000 kilometers, providing one of the first images of Earth from that far away. These images were significant for scientific study and offered a new perspective of the planet from space.

Official purpose and hidden goals

The spacecraft was officially presented by the USSR as a scientific probe, though it concealed ambitions for a manned lunar flight. This mission was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to achieve milestones in space exploration that would rival those of the United States.

Survival of the animals

The turtles, chosen for their ability to withstand hunger and lack of oxygen, endured the journey and returned to Earth thinner but alive. Their survival was a testament to the spacecraft's design and the resilience of the animals chosen for the mission.

Historic achievement

According to NASA, the spacecraft became the first vehicle to orbit the Moon and return to Earth, three days after its launch. This mission marked a significant achievement in space exploration and demonstrated the capabilities of the Soviet space program at the time.