Consequently, this mission’s failure deals yet another blow to his efforts.
Russia’s Soviet-era success
Russia’s recent explorations of our solar system starkly contrast with the nation’s accomplishments during the Soviet era.
More than three decades ago the Soviet Union launched twin spacecraft, Vega 1 and Vega 2. These spacecrafts successfully approached Venus, depositing landers on its surface and releasing balloons into its atmosphere.
In 1986, the same spacecraft sailed near Halley’s comet, capturing images and studying its nucleus. However, Russia’s subsequent endeavors, such as the Mars missions launched in 1988 and 1996, experienced failures.
Luna-25’s intended one-year mission to study lunar surface composition was set to pave the way for a series of robotic missions, collectively known as Luna 26, 27, and 28.
