Apollonius Highlands

What Happened Here?

Landing site of Luna 20, February 21, 1972. First sample return from the lunar highlands.

Region Overview

Highland terrain west of Mare Fecunditatis. Landing site of Luna 20.

Missions Associated with this Site

• Luna 20 (1972) · USSR LANDED
  Confirmed landing. First sample return from lunar highlands

Historical Timeline

• 1972-02-14 — Launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome (Luna 20)
• 1972-02-21 — Lands in Apollonius Highlands — first highland landing (Luna 20)
• 1972-02-22 — Drill collects 55 g of highland soil (Luna 20)
• 1972-02-25 — Return capsule lands in Kazakhstan (Luna 20)

Site Imagery & Gallery

Scientific References & Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_20
• https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1972-007A

Explore Apollonius Highlands in 3D

Interactive 3D Moon atlas with terrain model, spacecraft markers, and historical site stories.