On this day in space! Aug. 9, 1976: Soviet Luna 24 sample return probe launches to the moon

On Aug. 9, 1976, the Soviet space program launched its last moon mission. Luna 24 was a robotic sample return mission and the third of its kind.

Source: [Space.com](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/on-this-day-in-space-august-9-2026)