Surveyor 1, an uncrewed spacecraft, was part of NASA's Surveyor program aimed at gathering data on the Moon's surface and testing technologies for future manned missions. Launched on May 30, 1966, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the spacecraft landed in the Oceanus Procellarum, a vast area of basaltic plains, on June 2, 1966. This was a significant achievement because it marked the first soft landing by the United States on the Moon, following the Soviet Union's earlier successes with their Luna program.

After landing, Surveyor 1 transmitted over 11,000 images, providing crucial information about the lunar surface's texture and composition. These images revealed that the surface was composed of fine dust and small rocks, which influenced the design and approach for future Apollo missions. Additionally, the spacecraft’s experiments analyzed soil and seismic activity, paving the way for a better understanding of the Moon’s geology.

The successful landing of Surveyor 1 boosted U.S. morale in the space race during the Cold War. It demonstrated that the U.S. had acquired significant capabilities in space exploration and advanced NASA's reputation internationally. Following its mission, Surveyor 1 operated several instruments until the end of its scientific life in early 1967, gathering vital data that would enhance future lunar explorations.