Walks on the Moon: the story of the first Soviet lunar rover

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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.