Moon: Space Programs' Dumping Ground (Infographic)

INFOGRAPHIC: Remains and wreckage from 71 space vehicles litter the surface of the moon

The remains of at least 71 space vehicles litter the surface of the moon. (Image credit: Karl Tate, SPACE.com contributor)

Since 1959, the space programs of Earth have hurled machines at the moon. Many were intentionally crashed to gather scientific data, some crashed by accident, some were left to crash once their orbit decayed, and others landed softly and safely.

Here are some of the most significant artifacts now scattered across the face of the moon:

Luna 23 - - 1974

Chang'e 1 - 2009

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Karl's association with Space.com goes back to 2000, when he was hired to produce interactive Flash graphics. From 2010 to 2016, Karl worked as an infographics specialist across all editorial properties of Purch (formerly known as TechMediaNetwork). Before joining Space.com, Karl spent 11 years at the New York headquarters of The Associated Press, creating news graphics for use around the world in newspapers and on the web. He has a degree in graphic design from Louisiana State University and now works as a freelance graphic designer in New York City.