# Surveyor Model 3
**Wikidata**: [Q110387644](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110387644)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/surveyor-model-3

## Summary
Surveyor Model 3 is a spacecraft launched on October 26, 1966, as part of the Surveyor program, designed to explore the lunar surface. It was deployed using an Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle and is identified by the COSPAR ID 1966-095A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 26, 1966
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-095A
- **Spacecraft Classification**: Instance of spacecraft
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas-Centaur
- **SCN (Spacecraft Catalog Number)**: 02512
- **Wikimedia Sitelinks**: 2 (Commons, Polish Wikipedia)
- **Commons Category**: Surveyor-Model 3

## FAQs
**What was the purpose of Surveyor Model 3?**
Surveyor Model 3 was part of NASA's Surveyor program, aimed at achieving soft landings on the Moon to gather data for future Apollo missions.

**What launch vehicle was used for Surveyor Model 3?**
The spacecraft was launched using an Atlas-Centaur rocket, a series of space launch vehicles known for their reliability.

**What is the COSPAR ID for Surveyor Model 3?**
The COSPAR ID for Surveyor Model 3 is 1966-095A, a unique identifier assigned to objects in space.

## Why It Matters
Surveyor Model 3 played a crucial role in the early exploration of the Moon, contributing to the success of the Apollo program by providing valuable data on lunar surface conditions. Its successful deployment demonstrated the feasibility of soft landings on the Moon, paving the way for future manned missions.

## Notable For
- **Firsts**: One of the early spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
- **Technical Achievements**: Demonstrated the capability of the Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle for lunar missions.
- **Scientific Contributions**: Provided critical data on the lunar surface, aiding in the planning of the Apollo missions.

## Body
### Overview
Surveyor Model 3 is a spacecraft that was part of NASA's Surveyor program, which aimed to explore the lunar surface through soft landings. Launched on October 26, 1966, it was designed to gather data and images to support future manned missions to the Moon.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: Surveyor Model 3 was launched on October 26, 1966.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The spacecraft was deployed using an Atlas-Centaur rocket, a series of space launch vehicles known for their reliability and capability to carry payloads to the Moon.

### Identification and Classification
- **COSPAR ID**: The spacecraft is identified by the COSPAR ID 1966-095A, a unique identifier assigned to objects in space.
- **Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN)**: Surveyor Model 3 has an SCN of 02512.
- **Classification**: It is classified as an instance of spacecraft, a vehicle or machine designed to fly in space.

### Wikimedia Presence
- **Sitelinks**: Surveyor Model 3 has 2 Wikimedia sitelinks, including Commons and Polish Wikipedia.
- **Commons Category**: The spacecraft is categorized under "Surveyor-Model 3" on Wikimedia Commons.

### Significance and Impact
Surveyor Model 3 was instrumental in the early exploration of the Moon. Its successful soft landing provided valuable data on the lunar surface, which was crucial for the planning and execution of the Apollo missions. The spacecraft demonstrated the feasibility of soft landings on the Moon, a significant achievement in the history of space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report