The original space probe was designed by engineers working at an as yet unidentified 'Design Bureau' under the ultimate control of the Soviet Academy of Sciences. In the Soviet system, the term 'Design Bureau' denoted an academic/technical institute under the leadership of a senior scientist or engineer. There were several 'Design Bureaux' associated with the Soviet space program, each associated with different space projects, but responsible for both rocket and spacecraft development. In documentation from the USSR Academy of Sciences, this replica was identified variously as Lunokhod-1 and 2. However, a comparison of the vehicle design with released photographs of both Lunokhod vehicles confirms that this replica represents Lunokhod-2.

The replica was manufactured in the workshops of the Exhibition Centre of the then-Soviet Academy of Sciences. The original spacecraft was manufactured in the workshops of the developing Design Bureau.

No information has ever been provided by the USSR/Russian Academy of Sciences as to the actual construction date of any of the replicas loaned to the museum. The proposed date is a best estimate, based on the evidence of prior display, before the material was loaned to the museum. The original Lunokhod-2 was constructed in 1972.

The replica was made by the Soviet Academy of Sciences for use in exhibitions about the Soviet space program, mounted outside the USSR. It is not known what previous exhibitions this replica may have been used in. The original Lunokhod-2 was developed by the USSR as part of its lunar exploration program. The lunar roving vehicles Lunokhod-1 and 2 were part of the Soviet post-Apollo program, which was intended to convince the West that the USSR had not lost the Space Race, by claiming that they had not intended to send people to the Moon, only automatic probes. Lunokhod-2 was launched on 8 January 1973 and landed on the Moon on 16 January. The vehicle travelled around the lunar surface, transmitting images and data back to Earth until early June, when it was apparently lost in an accident. It was controlled from Earth by a team of five, which included a driver, navigator and systems engineer.

Originally owned by the USSR Academy of Sciences. Loaned to the museum in 1987 as part of L2046. This entire collection was purchased by the museum in 1996.

Spacecraft, replica, Lunokhod-2, metal, wood, plastic, Exhibition Centre, USSR/Russian Academy of Sciences, pre-1985.

Full-size replica of Lunokhod-2, the second remote-controlled lunar roving vehicle landed on the Moon by the USSR. The spacecraft has a tub-shaped body, which forms a pressure vessel protecting the power supply and scientific instruments. A large, round solar panel forms a 'lid' which can be opened and closed over the main body to aid in temperature control. The vehicle runs on 8 woven wire wheels (4 on either side). Two television cameras low on the main body provide stereoscopic vision to the remote 'driver' back on Earth. A third TV camera, raised above the front of the vehicle, provides general terrain imagery. Radio antennae and scientific instruments are attached to the outside of the main body. Several small fittings on the replica are believed to be actual flight hardware, taken from the manufacturing workshops and used instead of fabricating reproductions of awkwardly-shaped parts.

Made: 1980 - 1985

97/2/3

1980 - 1985

3110 mm

2800 mm