The N1 rocket was designed by Soviet engineers under the leadership of designer Sergei Korolev during the 1960s, intended to carry out crewed lunar landings and compete with the United States' Apollo missions. Development of the N1 faced numerous technical difficulties, including problems with its engines and control systems. The project was also hampered by the secrecy that enveloped most Soviet space endeavors. On the fateful day of the final launch attempt, the N1 rocket, towering at 105 meters, was fueled and prepared for liftoff. The mission aimed to emphasize the USSR's continued commitment to lunar exploration, following the successes of earlier unmanned missions.

As the countdown reached zero, the N1 rocket ignited; however, the launch was short-lived. A serious engine failure occurred shortly after liftoff, causing the rocket to tilt and subsequently explode in a catastrophic failure, marking the end of the N1 program. This incident not only illustrated the technical challenges of launching such a colossal vehicle but also served as a major setback for Soviet ambitions in space. The failure resulted in a reassessment of the Soviet space strategy and a shift to more achievable projects, ultimately leading to the joint Apollo-Soyuz program in 1975.

The N1 rocket's failure left the Soviet Union's lunar ambitions in ruins, leading to a decline in the Soviet space program's prestige. After a series of disappointments, including the unsuccessful N1 attempts, the focus shifted toward the development of more practical programs such as the Salyut space stations, which paved the way for future manned space missions.