How the CIA 'kidnapped' a Soviet moon probe during the space race

During the space race, the CIA conducted a covert operation in 1959 to gather intelligence on Soviet moon-bound technology. The CIA team dismantled a Soviet exhibit showcasing the Lunik 2 spacecraft, documenting its design and capabilities without the Soviets' knowledge. This operation was later revealed in a declassified CIA historical review, detailing the secretive mission. The CIA's actions provided valuable insights into the Soviet Union's space technology development. The operation involved disassembling the fully operational system and photographing its components before reassembling everything back in place. The CIA's successful "kidnapping" of the Lunik 2 was a remarkable example of cooperation between covert operatives and collectors, showcasing the agency's espionage capabilities during the intense space race era. The operation's details were disclosed in a declassified document published by the Black Vault, shedding light on the CIA's efforts to gather intelligence on Soviet space programs.