Image of Lunar Orbiter spacecraft
NASA/National Space Science Data Center

Lunar Orbiter

During 1966 through 1967, five Lunar Orbiter spacecrafts were launched, with the purpose of mapping the Moon's surface in preparation for the Apollo and Surveyor landings.

All five missions were successful, with 99% of the lunar surface photographed, including the farside. Also, detailed images were obtained of 20 areas pre-selected as possible landing sites for future landing missions.

After orbiting the Moon and returning hundreds of photographs, each Lunar Orbiter spacecraft was commanded to crash into the surface, destroying itself.


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