Walks on the Moon: the story of the first Soviet lunar rover
The lunar
rover is not just a technical device but a symbol of humanity’s aspiration to
explore space. The history of its creation can be traced at the National Centre
RUSSIA, where the greatest marvels of global engineering, inspired by science
fiction literature, are showcased.
The first
lunar rover designs were developed in the Soviet Union during the 1960s, at the
height of the space race with the West. A pivotal moment in this process was
the creation of automated devices capable of transmitting data from the Moon’s
surface. These rovers were brought to life at the design bureau of the S. A.
Lavochkin Machine-Building Plant under the leadership of Georgy Babakin.
However,
interest in lunar rovers was not confined to scientific circles. Alexander
Kazantsev, one of the pioneers of Soviet science fiction, anticipated many
aspects of space exploration in his works. A writer deeply engaged with science
and technology, he captured the spirit of his time and foresaw a future where
humanity and its creations would explore not only Earth but other celestial
bodies as well.
In 1960,
exactly 10 years before the successful mission of the Soviet
"Lunokhod-1," Alexander Kazantsev gave a detailed description of it
in his science fiction novella "The Lunar Road." The author
envisioned the lunar rover as a kind of "intelligent robot" capable
of analyzing and transmitting information about its findings. "It moves on
four tracked trolleys designed to navigate the Moon’s rugged terrain. Inside,
the rover, like a small spaceship, is sealed off from the external
environment," the story states.
In 1970,
when the first rovers "Lunokhod-1" and "Lunokhod-2"
successfully landed on the Moon, Kazantsev's ideas became a reality. These
devices not only became symbols of technological progress but also confirmed
the writer’s vision that humanity could create machines capable of performing
complex tasks in environments inaccessible to humans.
"Lunokhod-1"
was launched on November 10, 1970, and landed on the Moon's surface on November
17. The rover conducted its "scientific activity" on the celestial
body until September 14, 1971. During this time, it traveled over 10
kilometers, explored an area of 80,000 m², and transmitted approximately 25,000
photographs back to Earth.
In the Hall
of Inventions at the National Centre RUSSIA, a model of the 8EL № 203
"Lunokhod-1" is on display. Like many other unique items, it can be
viewed independently or as part of a free guided tour. Tours of the expositions
depart every 15 minutes from the main information desk. Visitors are welcome
every day, except Monday, from 10:00 to 20:00.
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