# Lunar Orbiter 1

> first American robotic spacecraft to orbit the Moon

**Wikidata**: [Q932976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q932976)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Orbiter_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lunar-orbiter-1

## Summary
Lunar Orbiter 1 was the first American robotic spacecraft to orbit the Moon. Launched in 1966, it was part of NASA's Lunar Orbiter program and played a key role in mapping the lunar surface to prepare for future manned missions. The spacecraft captured high-resolution photographs before intentionally crashing into the Moon to avoid interference with later missions.

## Key Facts
- **First American lunar orbiter**: Launched on August 10, 1966, becoming the first U.S. spacecraft to orbit the Moon.  
- **Launch vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13.  
- **Mission duration**: Operated until October 29, 1966, when it was deliberately crashed into the Moon.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-073A, a unique identifier for space missions.  
- **Part of Lunar Orbiter program**: A series of five missions designed to scout Apollo landing sites.  
- **Significant event**: Captured the first photograph of Earth from lunar orbit (August 23, 1966).  
- **Legacy**: Its images helped NASA select safe landing sites for the Apollo missions.  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Lunar Orbiter 1?
A: Its primary mission was to photograph the Moon's surface to identify potential landing sites for future Apollo missions and study lunar terrain.

### Q: When did Lunar Orbiter 1 crash into the Moon?
A: It was intentionally crashed on October 29, 1966, to prevent interference with subsequent missions.

### Q: What kind of rocket launched Lunar Orbiter 1?
A: It was launched aboard an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13.

## Why It Matters
Lunar Orbiter 1 marked a pivotal achievement in space exploration, providing the first detailed images of the Moon from orbit. Its data was critical for NASA's Apollo program, ensuring safe landing zones for astronauts. Beyond its technical contributions, the mission demonstrated the feasibility of robotic lunar orbiters, paving the way for future planetary exploration. The iconic "Earthrise" photo it captured also offered a new perspective on humanity's place in the cosmos, inspiring public interest in space.

## Notable For
- **First U.S. spacecraft to orbit the Moon**: A milestone in American space exploration.  
- **High-resolution lunar photography**: Provided unprecedented detail of the Moon's surface.  
- **Earthrise photo**: Captured one of the earliest images of Earth from lunar orbit.  
- **Strategic impact**: Directly supported Apollo mission planning.  

## Body
### Mission Overview
- Launched: August 10, 1966.  
- Operator: NASA.  
- Program: Lunar Orbiter program (1966–1967).  

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft type**: Robotic space probe.  
- **Launch mass**: Approximately 385 kg.  
- **Orbit**: Initially elliptical, later adjusted to a circular orbit for mapping.  

### Key Achievements
- **Photographic system**: Captured 42 high-resolution and 187 medium-resolution images.  
- **Landmark image**: First photo of Earth from lunar orbit (August 23, 1966).  

### Mission End
- **Decommissioned**: October 29, 1966.  
- **Fate**: Crashed into the Moon's far side to avoid disrupting future missions.  

### Legacy
- **Data repository**: Archived at the Lunar and Planetary Institute.  
- **Influence**: Enabled Apollo 11's successful landing in 1969.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BabelNet