Russia’s first lunar mission in almost 50 years has failed. the probe Luna-25 crashed on the lunar surface after an “unplanned situation” and ceased to exist, the Russian space agency Roskosmos said. The reasons for this would be clarified, it said.
Actually should Luna-25 land at the south pole of the moon this Monday and look for water there, among other things. The Russian government – alongside the USA the leading space nation during the Cold War – wanted to use the new moon mission to show that the country is capable of scientific excellence despite the war against Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the West.
Nine days ago there was one from Vostochny Cosmodrome Soyuzlaunch vehicle that carried the probe. The launch of the mission was broadcast live on state television. This part of the mission went smoothly.