NEW TYPE OF SOVIET LUNAR MISSION EXPECTED
A lunar probe capable of more complex missions than those performed by the Soviets to date is one of several launches indicated by the wide-scale deployment of the Soviet space event support fleet.
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NEW TYPE OF SOVIET LUNAR MISSION EXPECTED
lunar probe capable of more complex missions than those performed by the Soviets to date is one of several launchesby the wide-scale deployment of the Soviet space event support fleet. uccessful probe of this nature woulduch-needed boost to the USSR's sagging prestige in space developments.
There have been no Soviet lunar probes since last December, when Lunaemisoft landing on the moon. It isthat technical difficulties with mission payloads have caused the stand-down. The two types of probes lastplaced on the surface and
The Soviets probably are preparing for new types of lunar events. They might attempt a
soft landing similar to chat achieved by the US Surveyors. The two probes the Soviets placed on the moon last yearechnique unsuitable for landing men or complex equipment.
It is possible that the USSR will attempt to have acircle the moon and return toission not planned by the US. ission wouldogical precursoranned circumlunar flight, whichPavel Dclyayev told US astronauts in May is planned tooviet manned lunar landing.
For these more complex missions the Soviets probably willoro powerful booster than thesed in previous launches. The period of inactivity during che past several months could reflect an adjustmentarger launch vehicle.
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