The Communist World
SOVIET LUNAR PROBE FAILS TO SOFT-LAND
hich crashed on the moonecember, was tbe USSR's sixth lunar probe this year and the third to get close enough to the moon to test lunar soft-landing techniques. Likendhe latest probe apparently executed all of the delicate maneuvers of its three-day flight except final All threeby TASS in each case-appear to have resulted from difficulties with the retro-rocket system. Effortsfter impact suggested that these two came close to success.
ayload on the moon involves complex of guidance, orientation, and deceleration which can be overcome only by tests on the moon's surface. The threelandings undoubtedly provided the Soviets with of soft-landing techniques and will probably increase theii chances of future success. the structure andof the lunar surface areystery that presents unknown hazards to every soft-lander.
The Soviets may make their next attempt when the lunar "window" opens again_ at the end of this month.
top secret
4. WEEKLYDec 65
Original document.
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