// deep space · 1965

Luna 8

Space probe. Luna 8 was launched on December 3, 1965 aboard a Molniya 8K78 from Baikonur. Latest status in GCAT: left Earth orbit for deep space (Dec 6, 1965).

COSPAR 1965-099ANORAD 1810Soviet Union

Identity

Name in GCAT: Luna-8
Common name: Luna 8
Payload designation: E-6 No. 12
International designator: 1965-099A
NORAD catalog number: 1810
GCAT identifier: S01810
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.118

Mission

Mission type: Deep space
Use: Civil government
Program: E-6
Owner: OKB-1
Country: Soviet Union
Builder: OKB-1 im. S.P. Korolev
Platform (bus): E-6 DU

Launch

Date: December 3, 1965 · 10:46 UTC
Launch record: 1965-099Success
Rocket: Molniya 8K78
Spaceport: Baikonur · pad LC31

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LLEO/I
Perigee: 185 km
Apogee: 221 km
Inclination: 51.87°
Status: Left Earth orbit for deep space
Status date: December 6, 1965
Last known active: Dec 6, 1965
End of operations: Dec 6, 1965

Size

Mass: 1,090 kg
Dry mass: 350 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 1,552 kg
Length: 2.6 m
Diameter: 1.50 m
Span: 2.6 m

Deep space

Deep-space catalog entry: D00094
Final central body: Luna
Phase start: December 6, 1965
Phase outcome: Released · December 6, 1965

Flight phases

From	Central body	Ended	Outcome	Next
Dec 3, 1965	Earth	Dec 6, 1965	Escaped to another body, attached	Luna
Dec 6, 1965	Luna	Dec 6, 1965	Reentered (orbital decay)	Luna

Landings and impacts

World	Type	Result	Touchdown	Site	Coordinates
Luna	Secondary component	Targeted impact	Dec 6, 1965	—	9.13, -63.30
Luna	Lander (airbags)	Targeted impact	Dec 6, 1965	—	9.13, -63.30

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q620426 (CC0).