Top 3 Countries by Lunar Mission Success

A ranking of nations based on the successful placement of orbiters, landers, or rovers on the Moon's surface as of 2026.

The top 3

1. United States: Unmatched Lunar Footprint: The U.S. holds the record for the most successful lunar landings, including six crewed missions between 1969 and 1972.
2. China: Recent Dominance in Robotic Landings: The CNSA has successfully completed multiple robotic landings, including the first-ever soft landing on the Moon's far side with Chang'e 4.
3. Russia/USSR: Pioneers of Firsts: The Soviet Union achieved the first lunar impact (1959), first soft landing (1966), and first lunar rover (1970).

Sources

• The Planetary Society: Lunar Exploration Timeline

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