The Luna-Glob program is a continuation of the Soviet Union
Luna program that sent at least 24 orbiters and landers between 1959 and 1976 to the Moon, of which fifteen were successful. The last mission was
Luna 24, launched on 9 August 1976. Initially, the first Luna-Glob mission was planned as orbiter with ground penetrating sensors. Four Japanese-built penetrators inherited from the
Lunar-A were to be used, each 45 kg (100 lb), including 14 kg (31 lb) for the penetrator proper. Furthermore,
seismic experiments were planned, including the use of four penetrators, which will slam into the lunar surface equipped to detect seismic signals. These experiments are expected to help clarify the
origin of the Moon. Two of the penetrators are planned to land near the
Apollo 11 and
Apollo 12 landing sites, taking advantage of seismic data gathered there from 1969 to 1974. The payload of the orbiter will total and include astrophysics experiments, dust monitors, plasma sensors, including the
LORD astronomy payload, designed to study ultra-high-energy
cosmic rays.
Luna-Resurs (Luna 27) was initially planned as a joint orbiter-rover mission (the orbiter was to be the Indian
Chandrayaan-2) that would have featured a 58 kg Russian rover and lander, as part of the cancelled
International Lunar Network. Due to the loss of
Fobos-Grunt in 2011 which was planned as a test for the landing system, Russia cited its inability to provide the lander and rover within the proposed time. India then decided to develop the lunar mission independently, achieving their moon landing with
Chandrayaan-3. == List of missions ==