Luna 20 was part of the Soviet Luna program, which aimed to explore the Moon and advance space technology. Following the successful Apollo missions by the United States, the Soviet Union intensified its efforts to showcase its own space achievements. Launching on February 12, 1972, Luna 20 was designed not only to land on the Moon but also to collect samples of lunar soil and bring them back to Earth, a significant step in lunar research. The spacecraft successfully landed in Mare Fecunditatis, an area chosen for its geological interest and relatively smooth terrain, facilitating a safer landing.

The mission's primary scientific objective was to gather lunar soil samples and analyze them for information about the Moon's composition and history. Luna 20's robotic lander used a drill to collect soil and packed it into a capsule, which was later launched back to Earth on February 24. This technology and approach marked advances in uncrewed space exploration, expanding the scope of lunar studies and enhancing the Soviet Union's scientific prestige.

The spacecraft returned to Earth and landed safely on March 2, 1972, in the Chukotka region. The lunar soil collected provided valuable data that contributed to the understanding of the Moon's geology and history. The success of the Luna 20 mission not only showcased Soviet technological capabilities but also reinforced the intensity of the space race during the Cold War era, as both the USSR and the United States sought to demonstrate their dominance in space exploration.