Moon probes

In 1959, the Soviet Union launched several successful Moon probes, including Lunik I, II, and III. Lunik I was the first object to orbit the Sun as an artificial planet, Lunik II impacted the Moon, and Lunik III photographed the Moon's far side.
 (Roscosmos) Russia 1959 Moon probes

In 1959, the Soviet Union launched several successful Moon probes, including Lunik I, II, and III. Lunik I was the first object to orbit the Sun as an artificial planet, Lunik II impacted the Moon, and Lunik III photographed the Moon's far side.