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Luna 20 was placed in an intermediate earth parking orbit and from this orbit was sent towards the
Moon. It entered lunar orbit on February 18, 1972. On 21 February 1972, Luna 20 soft landed on the
Moon in a mountainous area known as the Apollonius highlands near Mare Foecunditatis (Sea of
Fertility), 120 km from where Luna 16 had impacted. While on the lunar surface, the panoramic
television system was operated. Lunar samples were obtained by means of an extendable drilling
apparatus. The ascent stage of Luna 20 was launched from the lunar surface on 22 February 1972
carrying 30 grams of collected lunar samples in a sealed capsule. It landed in the Soviet Union on 25
February 1972. The lunar samples were recovered the following day.
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