// deep space · 1970

Luna 16

Space probe. Luna 16 was launched on September 12, 1970 aboard a Proton-K/D from Baikonur. Latest status in GCAT: left Earth orbit for deep space (Sep 13, 1970).

COSPAR 1970-072ANORAD 4527Soviet Union

Identity

Name in GCAT: Luna-16 KT
Common name: Luna 16
Payload designation: E-8-5 No. 406
International designator: 1970-072A
NORAD catalog number: 4527
GCAT identifier: S04527
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.224

Mission

Mission type: Deep space, Reentry vehicle
Use: Civil government
Program: E-8-5
Owner: IKI
Country: Soviet Union
Builder: Babakin Science and Research Space Center
Platform (bus): Luna E-8

Launch

Date: September 12, 1970 · 13:25 UTC
Launch record: 1970-072Success
Rocket: Proton-K/D
Spaceport: Baikonur · pad LC81/23

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): CLO
Perigee: 200 km
Apogee: 400,000 km
Inclination: 51.50°
Status: Left Earth orbit for deep space
Status date: September 13, 1970
Last known active: Sep 21, 1970
End of operations: Sep 21, 1970

Size

Mass: 3,180 kg
Dry mass: 1,360 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 5,700 kg
Length: 1.5 m
Diameter: 3.50 m
Span: 5.0 m

Deep space

Deep-space catalog entry: D00337
Final central body: Luna
Phase start: September 16, 1970
Phase outcome: Landed attached to another object · September 20, 1970
Destination: Luna

Flight phases

From	Central body	Ended	Outcome	Next
Sep 16, 1970	Earth	Sep 16, 1970	Escaped to another body, attached	Luna
Sep 20, 1970	Luna	Sep 21, 1970	LOA	D01059

Landings and impacts

World	Type	Result	Touchdown	Site	Coordinates
Luna	Lander (powered landing)	Landed and operated	Sep 20, 1970	—	-0.51, 56.36
Luna	Ascent vehicle	Landed and operated	Sep 20, 1970	—	-0.51, 56.36

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q858293 (CC0).