Unmanned Lunar Station

a spacecraft designed to function on the surface of the moon. The primary task of an unmanned lunar station is to conduct research on physical conditions on the moon and the characteristics of the lunar surface. The station incorporates scientific apparatus and radio telemetry and television systems to transmit observational data and images of the lunar surface to earth. The construction and apparatus of an unmanned lunar station must be designed for operation under the specific conditions that exist on the moon. With the help of an unmanned interplanetary station, the Soviet unmanned lunar station Luna-9 achieved the first landing on the moon on Feb. 3, 1966. Luna-13 and the unmanned lunar stations of the USA—Surveyor-1, Surveyor-3, Surveyor-5, Surveyor-6, and Surveyor-7—landed at later dates.