From the moment humanity gazed up at the night sky, the moon has held a special place in our imagination. With technological advances and the spirit of exploration, several countries have embarked on the incredible journey of reaching and landing on the lunar surface. The first country to reach the lunar surface is Russia through the mission Luna2.
First Country to land on Moon: USSR
The moon’s surface was first touched by humanity through the efforts of the Soviet Union. On 12th September 1959, the USSR’s Luna 2 probe achieved a significantly milestones by becoming the first human-trade object to reach the moon. Although it crash-landed rather than softly touching down, Luna 2’s impact represented a historic achievement in space exploration.
United States: Lunar Landings
The United States took a monumental step by successfully landing humans on the moon. On 20th July 1969, the world watched in awe as Apollo 11, a NASA mission, saw Commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin become the first individuals to set foot on the lunar surface. This historic event marked a defining moment in human history, showcasing the capabilities of human ingenuity and determination.
China: A New Lunar Era
In recent years, China has emerged as a significant player in lunar exploration. China’s Chang’e missions have gained attention for their successful lunar landings. Chang’e 3, which touched down on 14th December, 2013, marked China’s return to lunar exploration, following the USSR’s Luna 24 mission in 1976.
India: A Successful Impact
On 23rd August 2023, India created history in the field of space exploration by soft landing its Chandrayaan-3 mission on the moon’s South Pole, making India the fourth country to successfully land on the moon and the first country to land on the moon’s South Pole.
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