1 March
1966: On 1 March 1966, the Soviet Venera 3 became the first spacecraft to land on the surface of Venus.
Venera 3 was launched on 16 November 1965. The entry vehicle contained a radio communication system, scientific instruments, electrical power sources, and medallions bearing the coat of arms of the USSR The spacecraft impacted Venus on 1 March 1966. However, the communications systems had failed before planetary data could be returned.
