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Luna 20

"Lunik 20"
NSSDC ID: 72-007A

Description:
Luna 20 was placed in an intermediate earth parking orbit and,
from this orbit, was sent towards the Moon. It entered lunar orbit
on February 18, 1972. On February 21, 1972, Luna 20 soft landed
on the Moon in a mountainous area near Mare Foecunditatis (Sea
of Fertility), 120 Km from where Luna 16 had impacted. While on
the lunar surface, the panoramic television system was operated.
Lunar samples were obtained by means of an extendable drilling
apparatus. Luna 20 was launched from the lunar surface on
February 22, 1972, and landed in the Soviet Union on February
25, 1972. The lunar samples were recovered the following day. 

Launch Information:
Launch Date/Time: 1972-02-14
Launch Site/Country: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), 
                                U.S.S.R.
Launch Vehicle: Proton Booster Plus Upper Stage and
                        Escape Stages
On-orbit dry mass: 5600.00 kg 

Orbital Information:
Orbit: Lander
Central Body: Moon
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