Who / What
The *List of missions to the Moon* is an organization that serves as a comprehensive catalog of lunar exploration efforts. It compiles information on both partial and full lunar missions started in 1959 and continuing to the present.
Background & History
The organization traces its origins to the launch of Luna 1 in January 1959, the first probe to escape Earth’s gravity and perform a lunar fly‑by. In September 1959 Luna 2 landed on the Moon, marking the first intentional impact on an extraterrestrial body. Since those early missions, the list has expanded to include every subsequent lunar exploration undertaken by space agencies worldwide.
Why Notable
It documents landmark achievements in spaceflight: the first escape from Earth’s gravity, the first lunar impact, and the continuous, systematic study of the Moon. The organization’s records provide context for the progressive understanding and utilization of lunar resources, influencing both scientific research and future mission planning.
In the News
The list remains a vital reference for current and upcoming lunar missions, underscoring the sustained interest in lunar exploration that began in 1959. Its continued updates reflect the ongoing relevance of lunar science and the growing number of international missions.
