February 21, 1969
Unmanned Test Launch
The first attempt to launch the N1 came on February 21st, 1969. It was carrying a boilerplate version of the Zond, a modification of the Soyuz designed to go to the Moon.
Trouble began almost immediately. An electrical spike shut down one of the main engines, and the N1’s control system immediately shut down another to balance the booster. Six seconds after launch, pogo oscillation ripped several components off their mounts and tore a hole in one of the fuel tanks. Nineteen seconds later, a fuel line ruptured, pouring the kerosene-based fuel into the booster and starting a fire. Three minutes and three seconds after liftoff the entire stack crashed back to earth 32 miles from the launch pad.
The only good news for the Soviets was that the escape system worked properly and the payload was saved.
The Soviets had kept the launch secret, and American intelligence was unaware of the test at the time. They would try again, but at this point, the Soviets were running out of time before the Americans beat them to a lunar landing.