In this article, we will explore the impact and implications of 1959 in spaceflight on modern society. From its emergence to its influence on different aspects of daily life, 1959 in spaceflight has played a crucial role in shaping various fields, such as politics, economics, technology and culture. Through in-depth analysis, we will examine how 1959 in spaceflight has evolved over time and how it has shaped the perceptions and actions of people around the world. Additionally, we will address the controversies and debates that 1959 in spaceflight has generated, as well as its potential impact in the future. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive and insightful view on 1959 in spaceflight and its importance in contemporary society.
This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (August 2025) |
| Orbital launches | |
|---|---|
| First | 2 January |
| Last | 26 November |
| Total | 23 |
| Successes | 10 |
| Failures | 11 |
| Partial failures | 2 |
| Catalogued | 14 |
| Rockets | |
| Maiden flights | Thor-Agena Atlas-Able Atlas D (suborbital test) |
| Retirements | Vanguard |
Luna 1 was the first spacecraft to leave the gravitational influence of Earth. Also in 1959, Luna 2 was the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another celestial body, impacting the Moon, and Luna 3 returned the first images of the far side of the Moon.[1]
| Date (GMT) | Spacecraft | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 January | Luna 1 | First Lunar flyby | Failed impactor, closest approach: 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) |
| 4 March | Pioneer 4 | Lunar flyby | Closest approach: 60,200 kilometres (37,400 mi) |
| 14 September | Luna 2 | First Lunar impact | Landed in Mare Imbrium, first spacecraft to reach the surface of a celestial body |
| 6 October | Luna 3 | Lunar flyby | First Circumlunar flight, returned 29 pictures including first images of the far side of the Moon; closest approach 6,200 kilometres (3,900 mi) |
| Country | Launches | Successes | Failures | Partial failures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 19 | 9 | 9 | 1 | ||
| World | 23 | 11 | 10 | 2 | |
| Rocket | Country | Launches | Successes | Failures | Partial failures | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas-Able | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Maiden flight | |
| Juno II | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Luna 8K72 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Thor DM-18 Agena-A | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | Maiden flight | |
| Thor DM-18 Able-II | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Thor DM-18 Able-III | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Vanguard | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Final flight |
| Orbital regime | Launches | Successes | Failures | Accidentally Achieved |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Earth | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | |
| Medium Earth | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
| High Earth | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Including Highly elliptical orbits |
| Heliocentric | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |