Luna-10 automatic station was launched from the Baikonur space-vehicle launching site on 31 March 1966 with
Molniya-M carrier rocket.
The space vehicle was developed on the basis of
Luna-9 automatic station. An attached pressurized module — an artificial Moon satellite — was installed at
Luna-10 instead of an automatic lunar station. Its mass amounted to 240 kg, and the very satellite was equipped with a scientific research apparatus.
Luna-10's active shelf life was 56 days. Over this period, it made 460 orbits around the Moon and conducted 219 communication sessions with the Earth.
The scientists managed to undertake a whole set of studies and to receive photos of the far side of the Moon during the satellite’s circumlunar orbital flight.
The postcard with an original stamp depicts a symbolic image of a carrier rocket being launched into space. The main image features the Luna 10 automatic interplanetary station, which became the world’s first artificial Moon satellite.
Additionally, FSUE PTC “Marka” will manufacture a special cancellation postmarks for Moscow, Khimki (Moscow Oblast) and Baikonur central post office.
Design: A. Drobyshev (stamp), R. Komsa (illustration).
Circulation: 30,000 copies.
« back