Zond: Quick Facts

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Oct. 30, 2026

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On this day in space! Oct. 20, 1970: The Soviet Union launches last-ever Zond moon mission • Oct. 20, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (Space)

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Moon Moon exploration space probe Chang’e Viking Chandrayaan Voyager Messenger Venera Pioneer Lunar Prospector Surveyor Luna

Key People

Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolev

Sergei Korolev

Soviet scientist

Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.

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