Ranger 8 was a lunar probe in the Ranger program, a robotic spacecraft series launched by NASA in the early-to-mid-1960s to obtain the first close-up images of the Moon's surface. These pictures helped select landing sites for Apollo missions and were used for scientific study. [2]

Nov 2, 2024 · What was Ranger 8? Following on the success of NASA's Ranger 7 mission—the first U.S. spacecraft to photograph the Moon up close—Ranger 8 took more than 7,000 high-resolution images of the Moon.

Apr 16, 2025 · Ranger 8 was designed to achieve a lunar impact trajectory and to transmit high-resolution photographs of the lunar surface during the final minutes of flight up to impact.

The lander was part of the series of nine Ranger spacecraft launched in the early 1960s to explore the moon. Ranger 8 impacted the moon only 24 kilometers from its target in the Sea of Tranquility, an area that was of particular interest to Apollo mission planners.

Feb 20, 2025 · On Feb. 17, 1965, its successor Ranger 8 launched toward the Moon, and three days later returned images of the Moon. The mission’s success helped the country meet President John F. Kennedy’s goal of a human Moon landing before the end of the decade.

The Ranger series was the first U.S. attempt to obtain close-up images of the Lunar surface. The Ranger spacecraft were designed to fly straight down towards the Moon and send images back until the moment of impact.

Feb 17, 2025 · The Ranger 8 mission was part of NASA’s Ranger program, specifically aimed at achieving high-resolution photography of the lunar surface. Launch Date: February 17, 1965 Impact Date: February 20, 1965 Launch Vehicle: Atlas-Agena B Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

Jul 28, 2024 · Ranger 8 was a lunar probe in the Ranger program, a robotic spacecraft series launched by NASA in the early-to-mid-1960s to obtain the first close-up images of the Moon’s surface. These pictures helped select landing sites for …

First picture of the Moon taken by Ranger 8 Target Object: Earth's Moon Mission: Ranger 8

Explore the world of Ranger 8 with previews, author insights, and purchase options for books and audiobooks. Discover more about this thrilling series.