Walking on the Moon Lunokhod Lunar Rover 1970

This charming and imaginative 1970 original Soviet poster by Briskin V. and Viktorov V. celebrates one of the proud achievements of the Soviet space programme: the arrival of the Lunokhod lunar rover on the Moon. Instead of a purely technical depiction, the artists transform the rover into an anthropomorphic, confident character striding cheerfully across the lunar surface. With a broad smile, cigarette in hand, and the hammer-and-sickle emblazoned on its body, the figure humorously embodies Soviet confidence and technological prowess, turning scientific success into a lively and accessible image for the public.

The poster’s playful cartoon style stands out within Soviet space propaganda, which often favoured heroic realism and dramatic symbolism. Here, humour and personality take centre stage. The simplified shapes, bold red and black contrasts, and minimal background focus all attention on the “walking” rover, creating a visually striking and memorable composition. The inscription reinforces the light-hearted tone: the rover proudly declares its presence on the Moon, as if casually conquering a new frontier.

Beyond its lightness, the poster reflects a moment of real technological significance. The Lunokhod programme, launched at the turn of the 1970s, marked a major step in robotic space exploration. This poster captures both that achievement and the spirit of optimism surrounding it, blending science, pride, and popular culture. Today, it stands as a delightful and historically rich artefact from the golden era of Soviet space exploration.

Original Poster

Space - Communism - USSR - Russia

Printed in Moscow

Good condition, slight creases