List of artificial objects on the Moon

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Map of the moon showing some landing sites. (Click to enlarge)

Lunokhod 1 exploration vehicle

Surveyor 3 on the moon, photographed by Alan Bean

Grid showing location of artificial objects on the moon (axis shows latitude and longitude)

The following table is a partial list of artificial objects on the surface of the Moon. They have been abandoned after having served their purpose. The list does not include smaller objects such as the retroreflectors and Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package. Nor does it include several commemorative or personal objects left there by Apollo astronauts, such as the golf balls from Alan Shepard's lunar driving practice during Apollo 14, flags, or the Fallen Astronaut statuette left by the crew of Apollo 15.

Five third stages of rockets of the Apollo program form the heaviest pieces. While humankind has left over 170,000 kg of Earth on the Moon, only 382 kg of the Moon has been returned to Earth by Apollo and Luna missions.

The only artificial objects on the Moon that are still in use are the retroreflectors for the Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment left there by Apollo astronauts.

Note that objects listed as being higher than 90 degrees east or west are on the far side of the moon. These include Ranger 4, Lunar Orbiter 1, Lunar Orbiter 2 and Lunar Orbiter 3.

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List of artificial objects on the Moon