The use of Lunar Orbiters for tracking to evaluate the Manned Space Flight Network tracking stations and Apollo Orbit Determination Program was successful, with three of the Lunar Orbiters (2, 3, and 5) being tracked simultaneously from August through October 1967. The Lunar Orbiters were all eventually commanded to crash on the Moon before their attitude control fuel ran out so they would not present navigational or communications hazards to later Apollo flights. The Lunar Orbiter program was managed by NASA Langley Research Center at a total cost of roughly $200 million.
the USe of luNAR orBITers for tracKinG To eVaLuaTe tHe manNeD space flight network TrACKIng STatioNS aNd apolLo oRbIt detErminatiON pRoGRAm wAs suCCESSfUL, WiTh three OF THe LunAR orbIters (2, 3, and 5) being TracKeD sIMultaNeouslY from AUgUsT Through octObeR 1967. the lunAr OrbitErs were AlL EVentUAlly comMaNdeD to cRAsh On THe MoOn beFore their aTTItudE coNTrol fuEl rAn Out sO tHeY wOuLd noT preseNt nAviGationAl or CommuNicationS hazaRds TO lAtEr aPolLo flighTS. the LUnar orBItER pRoGram was managED BY nasa lAnGley reseARch centER at A tOtAL Cost oF ROUghLY $200 milLIon.