N1 Test Launch #2

Another Disaster for Soviet Moon Hopes

July 3, 1969
Unmanned Test Launch

Soviet hopes to beat the Americans to the Moon ended on July 3, 1969. Once again, the N1 was carrying a Zond version of the Soyuz, with the goal of reaching the Moon, for orbit or flyby.

The mission was doomed even before it actually started. Moments before liftoff, an explosion in one of the engines cut through nearby fuel lines and started a fire. As the rocket cleared the launch tower, there was another explosion and all but one of the engines shut down fifteen seconds after ignition. The N1 leaned heavily to one side and fell back on the 110 East launch pad. 

The resulting explosion was enormous and devastating. “Today,” one witness said, “I saw without exaggeration the end of the world, and not in a nightmare but while fully awake and standing right next to it.” 

Windows nearby were shattered for miles around. Debris was scattered as far as six miles away. Light from the explosion could be seen twenty-two miles away. Amazingly, no one was hurt. Once again, the only thing that went right was the launch escape system which pulled the unmanned Zond up and away to safety.

The launchpad was destroyed, and it took eighteen months to rebuild. American satellite photos revealed the aftermath of the launch. Although the Soviets kept everything secret, the Americans now knew what they were attempting.

But now it was too late for the Soviets to beat the Americans to the Moon. Apollo 11 would launch in thirteen days.