Highly detailed custom-made presentation model of the Luna 10 robotic spacecraft, scale 1:10, constructed of metal and resin, measuring 26″ in height and set upon a square 12" x 12" base with an affixed plaque: "Luna 10 Soviet Robotic Spacecraft, NPO Lavochkin. March 31, 1966." In fine condition. A large and museum-quality model of the first spacecraft to go into orbit around the Moon, and the first human-made object to orbit any body beyond the Earth. The primary objectives of the Luna 10 were to achieve the first lunar orbit, gain experience in orbital operations, presumably as a precursor to cosmonaut orbital missions, and study the lunar environment.
The launch was timed so that the spacecraft would come around on its first orbit just as the Twenty-third Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was convening for its morning session. The Luna-10 automatic station was launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome on March 31, 1966, with the Molniya-M launch vehicle.
