Ranger probe impacts

The Ranger series of probes were deliberately impacted on the lunar surface, many failed in the attempt, but rangers 7, 8 and 9 returned hundreds of TV images of the lunar surface.

Ranger 6

Launched on 30/01/64, cameras failed.

Impact site 9.38640, 21.48060.

LRO images shown right.

KPLO_LUTIA_230924_020433_CAL_M_00

KPLO_LUTIB_240319_155855_CAL_M_00

Ranger 7

Was the first successful impact, in that it returned hundreds of photos. Impact date 31/7/64

Impact site -10.63400, 339.32300.

LRO images shown right.

KPLO_LUTIB_231204_132717_CAL_M_00

KPLO_LUTIB_240419_000652_CAL_M_00

Ranger 9

The final probe in the series impacted on 24/03/65

Impact site -10.63400, 339.32300.

LRO images shown right.

KPLO_LUTIB_230802_092357_CAL_M_00

KPLO_LUTIB_240720_101228_CAL_M_00