Mars 3

Soviet Union1971Mars landingProton-KUSSR

AgencySoviet Union

Year1971

TypeMars landing

RocketProton-K

CountryUSSR

About the Mission

Achieved the first soft landing on Mars on December 2, 1971. The lander transmitted what may be the first image from the surface but died after about 110 seconds, possibly in a global dust storm. The orbiter kept working for months. A remarkable feat that rarely gets recognition. No fully successful Soviet Mars lander ever followed.

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