Russia, has embarked on its inaugural lunar expedition since 1976, initiating from the Vostochny Cosmodrome situated in eastern Russia at 7:10 PM EDT on Thursday. This event marks a significant achievement in the country’s history. The information comes from a live stream presented on YouTube by the Russian space agency Roscosmos.
Roscosmos, has outlined that their spacecraft will require approximately five days to travel to the moon. However, upon arrival, an immediate landing is not planned. Instead, the craft is anticipated to spend around five to seven days in lunar orbit before attempting a touchdown at one of three potential sites close to the lunar pole.
The Ambitious Lunar Goals of Russia
Luna-25 represents the nation’s initial lunar lander since 1976, journeying to the moon via a Soyuz 2.1a rocket. Crafted by Russian scientists, its purpose is to execute a gentle touchdown on the southern pole of the moon, aiming to discover ice that holds the potential for transformation into water, oxygen, and rocket fuel.
Developed by the Russian aerospace firm NPO Lavochkina, the lander was introduced through a statement wherein it was highlighted that the intention is for the device to achieve a pioneering feat as the first-ever soft landing on the moon’s southern pole. This achievement would entail performing detailed analyses of the lunar soil at the landing site to ascertain the existence of ice.
The statement further conveyed that the primary objective of this mission is to advance fundamental technologies necessary for executing gentle landings within the circumpolar vicinity, along with conducting in-depth examinations of the moon’s southern pole through direct contact studies.
The mission also had plans to include a navigation camera known as Pilot-D, provided by the European Space Agency. However, this component’s development came to a halt following the cancellation of the project due to Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict the previous year.
Russia’s most recent lunar endeavor, known as Luna-24, accomplished the feat of skillfully bringing back a sample of lunar soil and rock to our planet.
Complete Relocation of an Entire Village
Meanwhile, in anticipation of this momentous launch, the entirety of Shakhtinskyi village underwent evacuation due to reports indicating that it might fall within the vicinity where the Soyuz rocket’s boosters could potentially land following their separation from the spacecraft.
Situated in Russia’s Khabarovsk region, this modest village witnessed its residents being relocated from their residences in the early hours of the morning. They were transported to a designated area to witness the launch and were also treated to a complimentary meal.
Despite a Russian official’s statement citing a “one in a million chance” of rocket debris reaching the village, the residents will be required to stay away from their homes for approximately three and a half hours as a precautionary measure.
Conclusion
Russia launched its first lunar expedition since 1976 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. The mission aims to uncover ice on the moon’s south pole. The lander, Luna-25, showcases Russia’s technological ambition, seeking to pioneer a soft landing.
Despite setbacks like the canceled camera project, Russia’s lunar pursuits continue, exemplified by Luna-24’s triumphant lunar sample return. The evacuation of Shakhtinskyi village underscores precaution and determination in space exploration.
