When did Surveyor 1 land on the Moon?
Surveyor 1 touched down on the Ocean of Storms on the 2nd of June 1966. This event marked the first successful soft landing by an American space probe on any extraterrestrial body.
Questions about Surveyor 1
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where was Surveyor 1 built and who managed its operations?
Hughes Aircraft Company constructed Surveyor 1 in El Segundo, California under contract for NASA. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory oversaw all mission operations from Los Angeles County, California.
How long did it take for Surveyor 1 to reach the lunar surface after launch?
The duration of the flight lasted approximately 63 hours and 30 minutes before impact. The spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on the 30th of May 1966.
What data did Surveyor 1 transmit during its active period on the Moon?
Surveyor 1 transmitted video data beginning shortly after landing until the 14th of July 1966. Over 10,000 pictures were taken before the lunar sunset occurred on the 14th of June 1966.
Why is Surveyor 1 significant for future Apollo missions?
Data gathered from Surveyor 1 directly supported planning for crewed Apollo Moon landings starting in 1969. Television images showed footpads and surrounding terrain for soil mechanics analysis.