<P> Luna 2 ( E-1A series ) or Lunik 2 was the second of the Soviet Union 's Luna programme spacecraft launched to the Moon . It was the first spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon , and the first man - made object to land on another celestial body . On September 13 , 1959 , it hit the Moon 's surface east of Mare Imbrium near the craters Aristides , Archimedes , and Autolycus . </P>
<P> Luna 2 ( E-1A series ) or Lunik 2 was the second of the Soviet Union 's Luna programme spacecraft launched to the Moon . It was the first spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon , and the first man - made object to land on another celestial body . On September 13 , 1959 , it hit the Moon 's surface east of Mare Imbrium near the craters Aristides , Archimedes , and Autolycus . </P>
first spacecraft to reach the surface of the moon
first spacecraft to reach the surface of the moon
Luna 2 ( E-1A series ) or Lunik 2
Luna 2 ( E-1A series ) or Lunik 2