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Luna 18

"Lunik 18" 
NSSDC ID:1974-084A

Description:
Luna 18 was placed in an earth parking orbit after it was launched
and was then sent towards the Moon. On September 7, 1971, it
entered lunar orbit. The spacecraft completed 85 communications
sessions and 54 lunar orbits before it was sent towards the lunar
surface by use of braking rockets. It impacted the Moon on
September 11, 1971, at 3 degrees 34 minutes N, 56 degrees 30
minutes E (selenographic coordinates) in a rugged mountainous
terrain. Signals ceased at the moment of impact. 

Launch Information:
Launch Date/Time: 1971-09-02 at 13:40:40 UTC
Launch Site/Country: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), 
                                        U.S.S.R
Vehicle: Proton Booster Plus Upper Stage and Escape Stages
On-orbit dry mass: 5600 kg

Orbital Information:
Orbit: Orbiter
Central Body: Moon
Epoch Start Date/Time: 1971.250:00:00:00 (07 Sep)
Epoch End Date/Time: 1971.254:00:00:00 (11 Sep) 
Periapisis: 1.055 RL
Apoapsis: 1.058 RL
Period: 119m
Inclination: 35 degree
Eccentricity: .001361
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