US Spies once “borrowed” a Soviet satellite for the night. Here is the true declassified story.
In 1959 the US and Soviet Union were in a race for space prowess. The Soviets reached the moon first when they crashed their Lunik 2 probe into the lunar surface.
Eager to show off their achievements, the Soviets started a touring exhibition, which included the Lunik space craft. Naturally, U.S. intelligence saw this as an opportunity to study the space probe up close.
After careful planning, a four-man team of US spies intercept the Lunik, detouring its transport to a secret location for a late-night inspection. Armed with ladders, ropes, and metric wrenches, they meticulously dissect and photograph the satellite, all while praying the street lights don’t reveal their high-stakes mischief. Once done, they reassemble it with the finesse of a professional burglar returning stolen jewels.
By 4:00 a.m., mission accomplished. The Lunik is back on its way, none the wiser, and the U.S. gleans invaluable intel without a hint of Soviet suspicion.
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