Today’s news / Russia – Moon
"Luna-25" was sent to the Moon on August 11. The launch took place at Russia's Space Center East, located near the city of Vostoshny. "Luna-25" was carried by the Russian-designed launcher Soyuz 2.1. Photo: Roscosmos/Reuters

Russia – Moon

Russia’s first mission to the Moon in 47 years has failed. This became clear after the Luna-25 lunar lander entered an uncontrolled orbit on Sunday and crashed on the lunar surface. According to preliminary assessments, “the lunar spacecraft no longer exists after colliding with the lunar surface”. Russia’s “Luna -25” was scheduled to make a soft landing, after which it was to have collected and analysed samples from the moon and conduct long-term scientific research, according to Roscosmos. Roscosmos says that communication with “Luna-25” ceased at 13:57 on Saturday Danish time. “Efforts to resume contact with the lunar spacecraft on Saturday and Sunday failed,” Roscosmos wrote. /ritzau/Reuters/