Soyuz 19k 21k Moon Lander

This shows the scene that was the goal of Korolev's 19k Scheme. The objective was to avoid a risky rendezvous in Lunar Orbit, by sending everything down to the lunar surface. The high weight meant that the mission would use the cargo version of the N1 with 21k tankers to fuel up in Earth orbit, before heading to the Moon.

Despite appearances, the 2 cosmonauts would be in the orbital module for the landing, not suspended upside down in the descent module.

For more about obscure Soviet lunar missions, please see my Soviet Space Substack:
https://graphicsnickstevens.substack.com

Thank you!

Видео Soyuz 19k 21k Moon Lander канала Nick Stevens